Therapeutic Compositions

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are compositions, for example: oral rehydration compositions, beverages, food items, methods and uses, which utilise resistant starch to prevent or treat dehydration, including dehydration which is caused by diarrhoea. Beverages, food items and oral rehydration solutions including a resistant starch, which are suitable for aiding in the maintenance and restoration of hydration levels in individuals undertaking physical activities, including sports, are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/034,965, filed May 6, 2016, which is the United States national phase of International Application No. PCT/AU2014/050338 filed Nov. 7, 2014, and claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2013904308 filed on Nov. 7, 2013, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention discloses compositions, oral rehydration compositions, beverages, food items, methods and uses that utilise resistant starch to prevent or treat dehydration, including dehydration which is caused by diarrhoea. Beverages and oral rehydration solutions which are suitable for maintaining hydration levels in individuals undertaking physical activities, including sports, or rehydrate individuals after undertaking physical activities, are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Oral rehydration solutions assist in rehydrating an individual after there has been a substantial loss of fluid, resulting in the individual experiencing dehydration. In both developing and developed countries, this dehydration is sometimes associated with benign activities such as sport. However oral rehydration solutions can also have a lifesaving role, where the cause of dehydration is not only through physical exertion or activity, but a consequence of a disease, such as excessive diarrhoea caused by, for example, rotavirus.

“Dehydration” as used herein, means a condition resulting from excessive loss of body fluid that occurs when an output of fluid exceeds a fluid intake.

Dehydration can be a significant problem. A 2% loss of body weight in fluids can diminish human performance in a number of areas (S.I. Barr, “Effects of dehydration on exercise 30 performance”, Can. J. Appl. Physiol., 24, 164-172, 1999). Dehydration can occur, for example, in situations where an individual excessively sweats due to participation in a sport, or through medical conditions such as diarrhoea.

Dehydration Caused by Physical Activity

An individual taking part in intense exercise can lose approximately 1 to 3 litres of fluid in an hour (N. J. Rehrer, “Fluid and electrolyte balance in ultra-endurance sport”, Sports Med., 31, 701-715, 2001). This loss of fluid may be increased by exercising in a hot environment.

With regards to sports, during a football game or intensive training session Australian football league (AFL) players can lose between 1.15-3.45% of their body weight (Adelaide Football Club internal studies), due to fluid loss. This degree of fluid loss will result in a diversion of blood volume to kidneys and other vital organs with a reduced flow of fluids to muscles. An unfortunate consequence of this fluid diversion is a delay in muscle recovery for a player. Current sports drinks consumed by players during and after a game have a high glucose content, much higher than in proven rehydration solutions. Because the glucose content is high (hyperosmolar to body fluids), the sports drinks are inefficient for hydration, leading to a slower than achievable water absorption and only utilising the absorptive capacity of the small intestine and not the large intestine.

Water and salt absorption through the large intestine requires the presence of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) which are fermented by colonic bacteria from carbohydrates. Direct ingestion of SCFAs is not an option as the SCFAs are absorbed by the small intestine before reaching the large intestine. Instead, an individual can ingest resistant starch (RS) (starches resistant to digestion), such as high amylose maize starch. These resistant starches can be found in baked foods and increase the absorption of water and salts in the large intestine in order to facilitate and enhance hydration in an individual.

Herein, beverages comprising a resistant starch, and oral rehydration compositions and solutions comprising a resistant starch are disclosed. Ingestion of these beverages, oral rehydration compositions or solutions, can enable an individual participating in a physical activity, for example a sport, to ensure they are sufficiently hydrated in order to: effectively prepare for participation in the physical activity; maintain their level of performance during the physical activity; and efficiently recover from said physical activity.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide oral rehydration compositions and solutions which show efficacy in the treatment of dehydration in individuals due to physical activity, including a sport, by formulating oral rehydration compositions which comprise starches that comprise resistant starch. These oral rehydration compositions and solutions can be consumed prior to the physical activity to ensure adequate hydration to enable an individual to participate in a physical activity, such as a sport. Alternatively, or additionally, these oral rehydration solutions can be consumed following a physical activity, such as a sport, in order to rehydrate an individual. In addition, the oral rehydration solutions can be consumed during a physical activity to ensure that an individual maintains adequate hydration for continued participation in the physical activity. These oral rehydration solutions can be consumed in combination with a food item that comprises a starch comprising a resistant starch, or an additional drink that comprises a starch comprising a resistant starch.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide beverages that comprise a resistant starch, said beverages can be consumed be an individual before, during or after the individual undertakes a physical activity (for example a sport). The beverages can be consumed prior to the physical activity to ensure adequate hydration to enable an individual to participate in a physical activity, such as a sport. Alternatively, or additionally, the beverages can be consumed following a physical activity, such as a sport, in order to rehydrate an individual. In addition, the beverages can be consumed during a physical activity to ensure that an individual maintains adequate hydration for continued participation in the physical activity. The beverages can be consumed in combination with a food item that comprises a starch comprising a resistant starch, or an additional drink that may comprise a resistant starch.

Dehydration Caused by Diarrhoea

The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children under five globally (The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)/World Health Organization (WHO), Diarrhoea: Why children are still dying and what can be done). The diarrhoea can be caused by a number of conditions, including diseases such as cholera. According to WHO statistics only 39 percent of children suffering with diarrhoea receive the recommended treatment, which is oral rehydration therapy with continued feeding (from 2004 to 30 present).

Currently, oral rehydration therapy consists of the delivery of a formulation that typically includes water and oral rehydration salts, the rehydration salts being a combination of sodium chloride, glucose (anhydrous), potassium chloride and trisodium citrate (dihydrate). Some rice-based oral rehydration therapies are also available.

The WHO has produced a reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution to replace its previous standard oral rehydration solution (ORS). The recommended formulation for the reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution is shown in Table 1. The WHO recommends a 10% tolerance with the recited values of the components recited in Table 1.

TABLE 1 WHO/UNICEF Recommendations for concentrations of components present in their reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution. Recommended concentration in Element/ current^(a)) WHO/UNICEF Reduced Compound Osmolarity ORS/mmol/L. Sodium 75 Chloride 65 Potassium 20 Citrate 10 Glucose 75 Total osmolarity of 245 mOsmol/L ^(a))recommended values at 4 Sep. 2012.

Despite the WHO promoting oral rehydration solutions, these solutions have not achieved the wide-spread use that was initially expected. Although this may be due in considerable part to a lack of knowledge or appreciation of the effects of oral rehydration solutions, those in the developing world have been reluctant to use them as there is not a palpable effect in reducing diarrhoea despite evidence that they do provide a benefit, to a limited degree, in reducing the risk of dehydration and, in some cases, reducing the risk of death due to dehydration. Therefore, improved formulations need to be devised in order for the communities who need them to take them seriously and utilise them in the treatment of dehydration.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide oral rehydration compositions which show efficacy in the treatment of dehydration, including dehydration caused by diarrhoea, by formulating oral rehydration compositions which comprise a starch that comprises a resistant starch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are oral rehydration compositions which comprise: a starch comprising a resistant starch, a salt composition and a suspending agent.

Also disclosed herein are oral rehydration compositions which comprise: (a) a starch comprising a resistant starch, starch derived materials, (for example chemically treated starch materials), other starches or starch containing materials, or dietary fibre or combinations thereof; (b) a salt composition; and (c) a suspending agent.

Also disclosed herein is an oral rehydration composition which has been combined with an aqueous solution, preferably water, more preferably drinking water, to produce an aqueous composition that displays efficacy in the treatment of dehydration caused by a physical activity and/or dehydration which is a result of a disease.

Herein, the water which is to be combined with an oral rehydration composition of the invention is preferably “drinking water” as defined by the World Health Organisation (World Health Organization, Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, fourth edition, 2011).

The present inventors have identified oral rehydration compositions which comprise a starch comprising a resistant starch and a suspending agent, which provide a treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhoea, wherein the diarrhoea is caused by diseases, including, but not limited to: bacterial and viral induced diarrhoea, travellers' diarrhoea, radiation induced diarrhoea, and also diarrhoea which is a result of weaning in both humans and animals.

The present inventors have also identified oral rehydration compositions which comprise a starch comprising a resistant starch and a suspending agent, which provide a treatment for dehydration caused by physical activity, such as a sport.

Furthermore, the inventors have identified the use of resistant starch in beverages that can be consumed before, during or after an individual takes part in a physical activity, such as a sport. Where the beverage is consumed prior to the physical activity, colonic bacteria can ferment the resistant starch in order to produce SCFAs by the action of colonic bacteria, which are beneficial in maintaining hydration in the hydration, or rehydrating the individual.

“Physical activity” is defined by the WHO as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy to be expended. The physical activity may be an activity, such as a sport, performed by a human. Alternatively, the physical activity may be an activity, such as a sport, performed by an animal.

“Sports” would be understood to be an activity pursued for exercise or pleasure governed by a set of rules or customs which involves a degree of physical exertion and skill wherein either individuals or teams compete against one another. Examples include, but are not limited to: athletics (including running), football (including soccer, American football and Australian football), rugby, tennis, swimming, cricket, basketball, netball, golf, cycling, badminton, volleyball, squash, ice hockey, baseball, skateboarding, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, martials arts, wrestling, gymnastics, hockey, rowing, motor racing, skating and boxing. Sports encompassing animals include, but are not limited to: horse racing and greyhound racing.

With oral rehydration compositions which are to be used in the developing or developed world, the components of these compositions should ideally be in a form that is easy to transport and store. In addition, it is advantageous if the components readily mix with water, although the components do not necessarily need to be fully soluble in the water.

In one embodiment, the current invention provides oral rehydration compositions wherein the components, including, for example: a starch comprising a resistant starch, a salt composition and a suspending agent, are in the form of solids, including, for example, powders, which can be introduced to water. The resulting aqueous composition can be ingested and used to treat dehydration, or conditions that might lead to dehydration, in an individual.

The inventors have importantly identified that for the oral rehydration compositions of the invention to be effective in the treatment of dehydration when they are combined in water and ingested by an individual, a suspending agent must be present. This suspending agent prevents the starch(es), including a starch comprising a resistant starch, and/or dietary fibre, as disclosed herein, from gravitating to the bottom of a solution once the oral rehydration compositions are combined in a solution, for example water, preferably drinking water. In addition, the suspending agent also plays an important role in improving the stability, the efficacy and palatability of the oral rehydration composition. The use of a suspending agent facilitates the ingestion of the starch(es) (and/or starch derived material and/or dietary fibre), and helps to ensure that they are consumed along with the other components of the oral rehydration composition.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide compositions, for example oral rehydration compositions, which can be commercially produced in a manner which is economically viable for distribution in both the developing and developed world. Furthermore, it is beneficial if the oral rehydration compositions as disclosed herein, are able to be transported and stored for distribution in developing and developed countries, without any detrimental effects or reduced efficacy occurring when the components of the oral rehydration compositions are combined in water and distributed to individuals for the treatment, or prevention, of dehydration.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.

In a first aspect, the invention provides an oral rehydration composition comprising:

-   -   a salt composition;     -   at least one substance selected from the group consisting of:         -   a class V high amylose maize starch;         -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;         -   a class VII high amylose maize starch         -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;         -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;         -   a class X high amylose maize starch;         -   a type IV resistant starch;         -   a type V resistant starch; and         -   combinations thereof;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the at         least one substance in water; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   glucose;         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; or         -   combinations thereof.

In a second aspect, the invention provides an oral rehydration composition consisting essentially of:

-   -   a salt composition;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the starch         comprising a resistant starch in water; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; and         -   combinations thereof.

In a third aspect, the invention provides an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition according to the first or second aspect, and water.

In a fourth aspect the invention provides an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition according to the first or second aspect, and water, wherein the aqueous composition rehydrates an individual affected by dehydration.

In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a method of rehydrating an individual suffering from dehydration, the method comprising a step of administering an effective amount of an oral rehydration composition that comprises:

-   -   a salt composition;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the starch         comprising a     -   resistant starch; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   glucose;         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; or         -   combinations thereof.

In a sixth aspect, the invention provides a use of an oral rehydration composition to rehydrate an individual suffering from dehydration, the oral rehydration composition comprising:

-   -   a salt composition;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the starch         comprising a     -   resistant starch; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   glucose;         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; or         -   combinations thereof.

In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a beverage comprising a resistant starch selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof,         wherein the beverage is formulated for an individual to consume         before, during or after the individual engages in a physical         activity.

In an eighth aspect, the invention provides a beverage comprising an oral rehydration composition according to the first or second aspect that is formulated for an individual to consume before, during or after the individual engages in a physical activity. In a ninth aspect, the invention provides a food item comprising a resistant starch selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof,         wherein the food item is formulated for an individual to consume         before, during or after the individual engages in a physical         activity.

In a tenth aspect, the invention provides a use of a starch comprising a resistant starch selected from the group consisting of:

-   -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         in a composition to maintain hydration in an individual and/or         rehydrate the individual.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Whilst it will be appreciated that a variety of embodiments of the invention may be utilised, in the following, we describe a number of examples of the invention with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1—FIG. 1 shows a comparison in the mean weight of Australian football players during a control week and a week consuming compositions of the invention, at three time periods (A—before a training session; B—at the end of a training session; and C—1 hour after training has finished);

FIG. 2—FIG. 2 shows is the mean packed cell volume percentage (%) of red blood cells (haematocrit test) in the blood of Australian football players during a control week and a week consuming compositions of the invention, at three time periods (A—before a training session; B—at the end of a training session; and C—1 hour after training has finished); and

FIG. 3—FIG. 3 shows a Kaplan-Meier plot of the duration of diarrhoea for individuals treated with either a: high amylose maize starch (HAMS); HAMS acetylated at 2.5%; HAMS acetylated at 6% or the current World Health Organisation standard oral rehydration formulation (HO-ORS).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment the compositions of the invention are oral rehydration compositions which comprise the following components: a starch comprising a resistant starch, a salt composition and a suspending agent. These components can be in the form of dry solids, including powders, which can be added to a solution, for example a solution of water, a protein shake, a milk based beverage or a fruit juice. The resulting solutions can then be ingested by an individual to treat, or prevent, dehydration.

In some embodiments of the invention the starch comprising a resistant starch, salt composition and the suspending agent, are combined in a single dry solids composition, including a dry powder composition, which can be introduced into water, preferably drinking water. The resulting solutions can then be ingested by an individual to treat dehydration.

In some embodiments of the invention the starch comprising a resistant starch, salt composition and suspending agent are separated in to more than one dry solid composition, which may be dry powder compositions.

In some embodiments of the invention, the starch comprising a resistant starch, salt composition and suspending agent, can be stored as dry solids, for example dry powders, in a single container such as a sachet, or multiple containers, for example in multiple sachets, prior to use and ingestion. For example, the starch comprising a resistant starch and the suspending agent is stored in one sachet and the salt composition is stored in another sachet. The contents of the two sachets in this example can be combined in water, preferably drinking water, wherein the resulting aqueous composition can then be ingested by an individual to treat dehydration.

Herein, the components of the oral rehydration compositions are disclosed in quantities in ranges of, for example, “g/L” or “mg/L”. These values disclose the quantity of an element or compound that would be present in an aqueous composition produced by combining an oral rehydration composition of the invention with 1 L of water.

Suspending Agent

Herein “suspending agent” refers to a compound that is present in a composition of the invention, such as an oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount that is effective to suspend the starch comprising a resistant starch (or other starch and starch containing material, or dietary fibre), when the composition is added to a solution, preferably water, more preferably drinking water. The suspending agent is introduced so that it enables the starch comprising a resistant starch, or other starch and starch containing material, or dietary fibre, to be suspended in solution for a period of time and not merely gravitate to the bottom of a container holding the solution. The incorporation of a suspending agent helps to ensure that the starch comprising a resistant starch (or other starch, starch containing material, or dietary fibre), is ingested by an individual consuming the composition.

The current inventors have identified that in order for the starch comprising a resistant starch (or other starch, starch containing material, or dietary fibre if present), to remain suspended in solution, for example water or, more preferably drinking water, a compound which acts as a suspending agent should be present. The inventors also found that, surprisingly, not all compounds which would theoretically act as a suspending agent, that are known to a person skilled in the art, are appropriate for the present invention. The starch comprising a resistant starch (or other starch, starch containing material, or dietary fibre), needs to be suspended when a composition of the invention is combined with a solution, for example drinking water, to ensure that all the components of the composition are ingested by an individual to treat dehydration and provide the physiological benefits which includes increasing or maintaining an individual's hydration level.

In one embodiment, the suspending agent can be a gum or a gum derivative and can be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to:

-   -   xanthan gum (including, for example, Grindsted® Xanthan Clear         Easy A21191),     -   guar gum,     -   gelatine (derived from animal, fish, etc.),     -   carrageenan (iota, lambda, kappa) (derived from seaweed),     -   agar,     -   alginate,     -   locust bean gum,     -   gum arabic,     -   cellulose (including, for example, methyl-, carboxy methyl- and         hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose),     -   gellan,     -   pectin, and     -   combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the suspending agent is xanthan gum.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is guar gum.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is agar.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is alginate.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is carrageenan.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is cellulose (including, for example, methyl-, carboxy methyl- and hydroxyl propyl methyl-cellulose).

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is gelatine.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is gellan.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is gum arabic.

In yet another embodiment, the suspending agent is locust bean gum.

In yet another embodiment, the suspending agent is pectin.

In yet another embodiment, the suspending agent is a mixture of at least two compounds defined herein as a suspending agent.

A gum or gum derivative used herein as a suspending agent has the ability to rapidly rehydrate and have an appropriate viscosity, excellent palatability and provide the required dispersion and suspension of the starch comprising a resistant starch.

Herein, the suspending agent is disclosed in quantities in ranges of “g/L”. These values disclose the quantity of the suspending agent that would be present in an aqueous composition produced by combining an oral rehydration composition of the invention with 1 L of water.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is xanthan gum, wherein the xanthan gum is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 0.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 1 g/L to about 2.5 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 1.5 g/L to about 2.25 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 0.5 g/L to about 4.5 g/L; about 0.5 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; about 0.5 g/L to about 3.5 g/L; about 0.5 g/L to about 3.0 g/L; about 0.5 g/L to about 2.5 g/L; about 0.5 g/L to about 2.0 g/L; about 0.5 g/L to about 1.5 g/L; about 0.5 g/L to about 1.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; about 1.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; about 2.0 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; about 2.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; about 3.0 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; about 3.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; about 4.0 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; or 4.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is guar gum, wherein the guar gum is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 1.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 2.0 g/L to about 6.0 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 3.0 g/L to about 5.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 1.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 1.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 2.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 2.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 3.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 3.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 4.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 4.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 5.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 6.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 7.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 8.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 9.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 5.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 5.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 4.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 3.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 3.0 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 2.5 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 2.0 g/L; or about 1.0 g/L to about 1.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is agar, wherein the agar is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to about 12 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L; 3.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.0 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 5.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 4.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; or about 3 g/L to about 3.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is alginate, wherein the alginate is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to about 12 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L; 3.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.0 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 5.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 4.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; or about 3 g/L to about 3.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is carrageenan, wherein the carrageenan is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 5 g/L to about 15 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 6 g/L to about 12 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 7.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 5.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; or about 5 g/L to about 5.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is cellulose (including methyl-, carboxy methyl-, and hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose), wherein the cellulose (including methyl-, carboxy methyl-, and hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose), is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 5 g/L to about 20 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 7.5 g/L to about 12.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 5.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 15.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 16 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 16.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 17 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 17.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 18 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 18.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 19 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 19.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 19.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 19 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 18.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 18 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 17.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 17 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 16.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 16 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 15.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; or about 5 g/L to about 5.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is gelatine, wherein the gelatine is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 5 g/L to about 20 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 7 g/L to about 17.5 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 10.0 g/L to about 15.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 5.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 15.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 16 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 16.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 17 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 17.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 18 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 18.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 19 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 19.5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 19.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 19 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 18.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 18 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 17.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 17 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 16.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 16 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 15.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; or about 5 g/L to about 5.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is gellan, wherein the gellan is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 2 g/L to about 15 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to about 12 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 2.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L; 3.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.0 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 5.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 4.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 3.5; about 2 g/L to about 3.0 g/L; or about 2 g/L to about 2.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is gum arabic, wherein the gum arabic is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 5 g/L to about 25 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 7 g/L to about 20 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 10.0 g/L to about 20.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 5.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 15.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 16 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 16.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 17 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 17.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 18 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 18.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 19 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 19.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 20.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 21 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 21.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 22 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 22.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 23 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 23.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 24 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 24.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 24.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 24 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 23.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 23 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 22.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 22 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 21.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 21 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 20.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 19.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 19 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 18.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 18 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 17.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 17 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 16.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 16 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 15.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; or about 5 g/L to about 5.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is locust bean gum, wherein the locust bean gum is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to about 12 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L; 3.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.0 g/L to about 15 g/L; 4.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5 g/L to about 15 g/L; 5.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 5.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 4.5 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; or about 3 g/L to about 3.5 g/L.

In another embodiment the suspending agent is pectin, wherein the pectin is present in a composition of the invention in an amount in a range of from about 2 g/L to about 25 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 3 g/L to about 20 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 3.5 g/L to about 10.0 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 2.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 3.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 4 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 4.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 5.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 6 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 6.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 7 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 8 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 8.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 9 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 9.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 10.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 11 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 11.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 12 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 13 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 13.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 14 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 14.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 15.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 16 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 16.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 17 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 17.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 18 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 18.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 19 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 19.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 20.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 21 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 21.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 22 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 22.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 23 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 23.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 24 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 24.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 24.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 24 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 23.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 23 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 22.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 22 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 21.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 21 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 20.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 19.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 19 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 18.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 18 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 17.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 17 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 16.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 16 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 15.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 14.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 14 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 13.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 13 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 12 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 11.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 11 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 10.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 9.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 9.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 8.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 8.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 7.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 6.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 6.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 5.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 4.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 3.5 g/L; about 2 g/L to about 3 g/L; or about 2 g/L to about 2.5 g/L.

In another embodiment, the suspending agent is a mixture of at least two compounds defined herein as a suspending agent where each individual suspending agent is present in an amount as defined herein.

In some embodiments the starch comprising a resistant starch may be soluble in water; here a compound defined herein as a suspending agent is still present.

In yet another embodiment, the suspending agent can be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to:

-   -   brominated vegetable oil,     -   calcium acetate,     -   calcium stearoyl lactylate,     -   dammar gum,     -   disodium EDTA,     -   glycerol ester of wood rosin     -   gum ghatti,     -   karaya gum,     -   lactated mono- and di-glycerides,     -   lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol,     -   mono- and di-glycerides,     -   poloxamer 331     -   poloxamer 407     -   polydextroses,     -   polysorbate 20, 60, 65 and 80,     -   polyvinylpyrrolidone,     -   processed eucheuma seaweed,     -   propylene glycol alginate,     -   propylene glycol mono- and di-esters,     -   sodium caseinate,     -   sodium L(+)-tartrate,     -   sorbitan monostearate,     -   stearyl monoglyceridyl citrate,     -   tara gum,     -   tragacanth gum,     -   tripotassium citrate,     -   trisodium phosphate, and     -   mixtures of suspending agents as disclosed or as described         herein.

Starch Comprising a Resistant Starch

In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention, including for example a beverage, food item or an oral rehydration composition of the invention, comprise a starch comprising a resistant starch.

Resistant starch plays an important role in digestive function. Resistant starch is the total amount of starch and the products of starch degradation that resist digestion in the small intestine of healthy individuals. The resistant starch may be fermented in the large intestine or large bowel by resident or introduced (via, for example, probiotics) microflora.

Different starches contain different ratios of components that are readily broken down in the small intestine and components that are not broken down until they reach the large intestine.

The inventors have found that the amount of glucose released in the small intestine from the starch comprising a resistant starch is important in relation to the optimal functioning of the resulting oral rehydration compositions and solutions of the invention, wherein it is not only the amount of starch that is made available as glucose in the small intestine that is important, but also the rate at which this glucose is released for absorption.

An important application of the compositions of the invention is the targeted regulation of the rate and extent of glucose release in the small intestine combined with the delivery of resistant starch to the colon to optimally stimulate the generation of short chain fatty acids by the microflora to reduce diarrhoea through enhanced small and large intestinal fluid salvage. This can be accomplished by the choice and selection of the starch comprising a resistant starch being used in a composition of the invention, wherein the addition of a suspending agent ensures that the starch comprising a resistant starch is consumed when said composition is, for example, combined with an aqueous composition, preferably drinking water, and is ingested by an individual.

The amount and rate of glucose released from starch can be affected by a number of factors including:

-   -   the type of starch;     -   the size of starch granules;     -   the hydrothermal treatment of the starch;     -   whether the starch has been modified, for example by chemically         treating the starch, and the type and extent of the         modification(s);     -   starch granules that have been broken up or reduced in size by         attrition, impact or fractionation;     -   the interaction with other dietary and food components; and/or     -   the health status of a person consuming the resistant starch.

Resistant starches can be grouped into five categories:

-   -   a type I resistant starch (RS1);     -   a type II resistant starch (RS2);     -   a type III resistant starch (RS3);     -   a type IV resistant starch (RS4); and     -   a type V resistant starch (RS5).         The classification for resistant starches is shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2 Classification of resistant starches. Type Occurrence Example RS1 - Physically Intact or partly Intact whole grains inaccessible milled grains and seeds RS2 - Resistant Raw potato, green High amylose maize granules banana, some starch legumes, high amylose maize RS3 - Retrograded Cooked and cooled Recrystallised maize or starch starchy foods tapioca starch RS4 - Chemically Starch ethers and Sodium trimetaphosphate modified esters cross-bonded (STMP)/sodium starches starches tripolyphosphate (STPP) cross-linked wheat starch RS5 - Starch- Cooked, gelled, Amylose-lipid complexes lipid inclusion extruded starch in with a V-form x-ray complexes the presence of crystallography pattern; lipids, including high amylose barley, polar lipids. such as BARLEYmax ™ (obtainable from CSIRO)

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch has a minimum resistant starch content in a range of about 10% w/w to about 90% w/w, preferably in a range from about 20% w/w to about 75% w/w, more preferably in a range from about 30% w/w to about 65%, w/w most preferably in a range from about 40% w/w to about 60% w/w. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 15% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 20% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 25% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 30% w/w to about 35% w/w; about 40% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 45% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 50% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 55% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 60% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 65% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 70% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 75% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 80% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 85% w/w to about 90% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 85% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 80% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 75% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 70% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 65% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 60% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 55% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 50% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 45% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 40% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 35% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 30% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 25% w/w; about 10% w/w to about 20% w/w; or about 10% w/w to about 15% w/w.

In one embodiment the resistant starch of the invention is replaced or partly replaced with slowly digested starch, wherein “slowly digested” indicates a starch that is digested, once having passed the stomach, over a period of time in a range of from about 15 minutes to about 360 minutes, preferably in a range from about 15 minutes to about 240 minutes, most preferably in a range from about 15 minutes to about 120 minutes. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 30 minutes to about 360 minutes; about 60 minutes to about 360 minutes; about 90 minutes to about 360 minutes; about 120 minutes to about 360 minutes; about 180 minutes to about 360 minutes; about 240 minutes to about 360 minutes; about 300 minutes to about 360 minutes; about 30 minutes to about 240 minutes; about 30 minutes to about 180 minutes; about 30 minutes to about 120 minutes; or about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes.

“Starch comprising a resistant starch” encompasses all starches comprising resistant starches (flours, grits and other starch containing materials), which are derived from tubers, grains, legumes, fruit and seeds or any other native source, wherein “native source” refers to a naturally occurring source, which is suitable for the oral rehydration compositions, methods and uses as disclosed herein.

In addition, “starch comprising a resistant starch” encompasses all resistant starches which have been derived from plant material which is a “non-native” source, wherein the plant material is not naturally occurring and the plant material is from a plant that is the product of:

-   -   crossbreeding;     -   artificially induced mutations; or     -   genetic modification wherein the genes or chromosones of a plant         have undergone translocation, inversion or transformation.         Non-native plant sources comprise: tubers, grains, legumes,         fruit and seeds.

The starches included in the compositions, methods and uses of the invention may be derived from a native or non-native source and used as such or are milled, physically, thermally or enzymatically processed, or modified, for example the starch can be milled to reduce the particle size of the starch to individual starch granules or to break the starch into pieces. The source can be from native, waxy or high amylose varieties of a particular species although it should be noted that high amylose varieties of starch usually have higher amounts of resistant starch.

Herein, high amylose starches are disclosed which are starches comprising resistant starches and include maize starch having an amylose content of at least 50% w/w, for example at least 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80% w/w, particularly at least 80% w/w; rice starch having an amylose content of at least 27% w/w, or a wheat starch having an amylose content of at least 35% w/w. Furthermore, particular granular size ranges of starches having an amylose content of at least 50% w/w, and enhanced resistant starch content can be included in the present invention; these starches include starches derived from maize, barley, and legumes. The present invention is not, however, limited to these forms of resistant starch. For example, other forms of starch comprising a resistant starch can be derived from sources such as bananas and tubers such as potatoes.

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS1 starch. RS1 starches can be derived from any native flours (although the amount of resistant starch can be increased through specialist milling and/or thermal or hydrothermal, and/or enzymatic treatment).

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS1 starch which can be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to: whole- or partly-milled grains, seeds and legumes, where the starch is physically inaccessible to starch digesting enzymes.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS2 starch which is starch that can be derived from the group comprising, but not limited to:

-   -   grains and flours containing starch that have been derived from         a native or non-native plant source (for example from         conventional inbred breeding techniques or produced in the         production of a genetically modified plant species), in         particular with higher or elevated amylose content in the         starch, that includes, but is not limited to:         -   maize,         -   wheat,         -   rice,         -   triticale,         -   banana,         -   barley,         -   potato,         -   legumes, for example peas,         -   sago,         -   sorghum,         -   oats,         -   tapioca,         -   cassava and         -   combinations thereof.

Examples of RS2 starches include, but are not limited to: high amylose maize or corn starches such as: a class V, or class VII (for example Hylon® VII (obtainable from Ingredion), Hi-maize™ 240 (obtainable from Ingredion), Hi-maize™ 260 (obtainable from Ingredion) or Hi-maize 1043 (obtainable from Ingredion)), class VIII (for example Hi-maize™ 958 (obtainable from Ingredion) or class X, high amylose maize starch.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS3 starch. A RS3 derived material is formed by the heating, gelatinization and recrystallisation of starch polymers from a native or non-native plant source as described herein. A RS3 material can be selected from the group comprising, but not limited to:

-   -   a high amylose maize starch (class VII), which has been         gelatinized, retrograded, subjected to partial enzyme hydrolysis         before recovery and drying (for example Novelose® 330,         obtainable from Ingredion).

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS4 starch which is a starch sourced from a native or non-native source as described herein which has been chemically treated.

Chemical modifications utilised to produce a RS4 starch can include, but are not limited to: thermal or hydrothermal treatment, enzymatic modification, oxidation or bleaching (for example using hypochlorite containing compounds), treatment with propylene oxide to yield hydroxypropyl starch materials, cross-bonding or crosslinking, etherification, esterification (or acylation) (for example acetylation using a compound such as acetic acid, vinyl acetate, acetic anhydride, or another acetylation agent known to those skilled in the art, to produce acetylated starch materials, or acylation using, for example propionic acid, propionic anhydride, butyric acid, butyric anhydride, or another acylation agent known to those skilled in the art), acidification (for example with an inorganic or organic acid) or dextrinisation, treatment with an alkaline compound (for example sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), phosphorylation (for example by treating a starch material with phosphoric acid and/or a phosphorylating agent to produce, for example a mono-starch phosphates, di-starch phosphates and phosphorylated di-starch phosphates), treatment with glycerol to produce a di-starch glycerol material, or combinations thereof (for example: treatment with a phosphorylating agent and an acetylating agent (such as acetic acid) to produce an acetylated di-starch phosphate; treatment with acetic acid and adipinic acid anhydride to provide acetylated di-starch adipate materials; treatment with propylene oxide, epichlorhydrine and glycerol to produce hydroxypropyl di-starch glycerol; and treatment with propylene oxide and phosphoric acid to produce hydroxypropyl di-starch phosphate), can be used as suitable chemical treatments. Similarly, other modifications can be induced physically, enzymatically or by other means which are known to those skilled in the art.

For example, the RS4 starch can be a starch that has been chemically modified using known treatments such as, for example: thermal or hydrothermal treatment, enzymatic modification, oxidation or bleaching (for example using hypochlorite containing compounds), treatment with propylene oxide to yield hydroxypropyl starch materials, cross-bonding or crosslinking, etherification, esterification (or acylation) (for example acetylation using a compound such as acetic acid, vinyl acetate, acetic anhydride, or another acetylation agent known to those skilled in the art, to produce acetylated starch materials, or acylation using, for example propionic acid, propionic anhydride, butyric acid, butyric anhydride, or another acylation agent known to those skilled in the art), acidification (for example with an inorganic or organic acid) or dextrinisation, treatment with an alkaline compound (for example sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide), phosphorylation (for example by treating a starch material with phosphoric acid and/or a phosphorylating agent to produce, for example a mono-starch phosphates, di-starch phosphates and phosphorylated di-starch phosphates), treatment with glycerol to produce a di-starch glycerol material, or combinations thereof (for example: treatment with a phosphorylating agent and an acetylating agent (such as acetic acid) to produce an acetylated di-starch phosphate; treatment with acetic acid and adipinic acid anhydride to provide acetylated di-starch adipate materials; treatment with propylene oxide, epichlorhydrine and glycerol to produce hydroxypropyl di-starch glycerol; and treatment with propylene oxide and phosphoric acid to produce hydroxypropyl di-starch phosphate), where the starch is sourced from native, non-native waxy or high amylose varieties of a particular species, for example:

-   -   grains and flours containing starch that have been derived from         a native or non-native plant source (for example from         conventional inbred breeding techniques or produced in the         production of a genetically modified plant species), in         particular with higher or elevated amylose content in the         starch, that includes, but is not limited to:         -   maize,         -   wheat,         -   rice,         -   triticale,         -   banana,         -   barley,         -   potato,         -   legumes, for example peas,         -   sago,         -   sorghum,         -   oats,         -   tapioca,         -   cassava and         -   combinations thereof.

Other examples of RS4 compounds that can be used in the present invention include starches which have been acylated, for example to produce:

-   -   acetylated starches, for example:         -   an acetylated tapioca starch;         -   an acetylated rice starch;         -   a retrograded gelatinised class VII high amylose maize             starch;         -   a starch comprising a resistant starch, that is acetylated             to a substitution value of up to and including 2.5%,             including starches comprising resistant starches, that has             been acetylated to a substitution value of up to about 0.5,             about 1, about 1.5 and about 2% (for example Starplus™ A             (obtainable from CSIRO) with an acetylation value of 2.5%);             or         -   a starch comprising a resistant starch, that is acetylated             with a substitution value greater than 2.5%, including             greater than or equal to about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%,             about 4.5%, about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%,             about 7.0% or about 7.5% (for example Crisp Film®             (obtainable from Ingredion) or Starplus™ A (obtainable from             CSIRO) with an acetylation value of 6.0%);     -   acylated starches, for example:         -   propionylated starches, for example a starch comprising a             resistant starch, that is propionylated (for example             Starplus™ P obtainable from CSIRO), with a substitution             value greater than or equal to 2.5%, for example greater             than or equal to about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about             4.0%, about 4.5%, about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about             6.5%, about 7.0%, or about 7.5%; or         -   butyrylated starches, including a starch comprising a             resistant starch, that is butyrylated (for example Starplus™             B obtainable from CSIRO), to a substitution value greater             than or equal to 2.5%, for example greater than or equal to             about 2.5%, about 3.0%, about 3.5%, about 4.0%, about 4.5%,             about 5.0%, about 5.5%, about 6.0%, about 6.5%, about 7.0%,             or about 7.5%.

An RS5 is identified where resistance to normal starch digestion is inhibited by the starch existing as a clathrate or inclusion complex with a lipid. Analytically x-ray crystallography shows high amylose starch in the so called B-type form whereas RS5 is in the V-type form. The V-type form can be produced by cooking any starch in the presence of suitable lipid(s) and allowing their interaction to form inclusion complexes.

In one embodiment, the compositions of the invention, including for example a beverage, food item or an oral rehydration composition of the invention, comprise at least one of either a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch.

In yet another embodiment, the compositions of the invention, including for example a beverage, food item or an oral rehydration composition of the invention, comprise at least one of either a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4, or RS5 resistant starch, in an amount as disclosed herein.

In yet another embodiment, the compositions of the invention, including for example a beverage, food item or an oral rehydration composition of the invention, comprise a mixture of two or more of a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch.

In yet another embodiment, the compositions of the invention, including for example a beverage, food item or an oral rehydration composition of the invention, comprise a mixture of two or more of a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch, wherein each of the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 materials, are present in an amount as disclosed herein.

Herein, the starch comprising a resistant starch is disclosed in quantities in ranges of “g/L”. These values disclose the quantity of the starch comprising a resistant starch that would be present in an aqueous composition produced by combining an oral rehydration composition of the invention with 1 L of water.

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount in a range of from about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 75 g/L; about g/L to about 70 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; or about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L.

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS1 starch, wherein the RS1 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount in a range of from about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 75 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 70 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; or about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS1 starch, wherein the RS1 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 40 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS1 starch, wherein the RS1 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 50 g/L.

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS2 starch, wherein the RS2 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount in a range of from about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount in a range from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 75 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 70 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; or about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS2 starch, wherein the RS2 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 40 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS2 starch, wherein the RS2 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 50 g/L.

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS3 starch, wherein the RS3 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount in a range of from about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount in a range from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 75 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 70 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; or about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS3 starch, wherein the RS3 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 40 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS3 starch, wherein the RS3 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 50 g/L.

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS4 starch, wherein the RS4 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount in a range of from about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount in a range from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 75 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 70 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; or about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS4 starch, wherein the RS4 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 40 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS4 starch, wherein the RS4 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 50 g/L.

In one embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS5 starch, wherein the RS5 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount in a range of from about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount in a range from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 75 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 70 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; or about 10 g/L to about 15 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS5 starch, wherein the RS5 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 40 g/L.

In another embodiment the starch comprising a resistant starch is a RS5 starch, wherein the RS5 starch is present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in an amount of about 50 g/L.

Other Starches, Starch Containing Materials or Dietary Fibre

Other starches, starch containing materials or dietary fibre, and combinations thereof, could also be utilised in compositions of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in addition to or in place of the starch comprising a resistant starch.

In one embodiment other starches and starch containing materials include, but are not limited to: plant components, such as, grain, tuber, seeds, and the like, which may be physically, enzymatically or chemically modified, such as through the processes of dextrinisation or dry roasting in the presence or absence of a catalyst such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid or sulfuric acid.

In another embodiment dietary fibre includes, but is not limited to: psyllium; inulin; oligosaccharides, such as fructo-, galacto-, malto-, isomalto-, gentio-, agaro, neoagaro-, α-gluco-, β-gluco-, cyclo-, inulo-, glycosyl sucrose, latulose, lactosucrose, or xylosucrose; bran, pericarp, endosperm, or cell wall material from cereals such as wheat, triticale, sorghum, rice, sago, potato, tapioca, cassava, oats, barley, and corn, or pulses, such as peas and lupins, and the like, which may be further processed or modified, such as by bleaching, and the like.

Any starch or material containing starch as a component, such as flour, semolina, grits, polenta, and the like, employed in combination with or in place of the starch that comprises resistant starch in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, is preferably in a solid form, more preferably as an anhydrous solid, most preferably as a dry powder.

Herein, the other starches, starch containing materials or dietary fibre are disclosed in quantities in ranges of “g/L”. These values disclose the quantity of the other starches and starch containing materials or dietary fibre that would be present in an aqueous composition produced by combining an oral rehydration composition of the invention with 1 L of water.

In one embodiment the other starches, starch containing materials, or dietary fibre are present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in place of the starch comprising a resistant starch, wherein the other starches and starch containing materials, or dietary fibre are present in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount in a range from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 5 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 75 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 70 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10 g/L; or about 3 g/L to about 5 g/L.

In one embodiment the other starches and starch containing materials, or dietary fibre are present in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, in combination with the starch comprising a resistant starch, wherein the other starches and starch containing materials, or dietary fibre are present in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to about 80 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, more preferably in an amount in a range from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 5 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 25 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 30 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 35 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 40 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 45 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 50 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 55 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 60 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 65 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 70 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 75 g/L to about 80 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 75 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 70 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 65 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 60 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 55 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 50 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 45 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 40 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 35 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 30 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 3 g/L to about 10 g/L; or about 3 g/L to about 5 g/L.

All details provided herein about how the starch that comprises a resistant starch is provided in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, are equally applicable to any starch beyond the starch comprising a resistant starch that is employed either in combination with the starch comprising a resistant starch in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, or in place of the starch comprising a resistant starch in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention.

Salt Composition

The oral rehydration compositions of the invention comprise a salt composition.

In one embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprise compounds selected from sodium and potassium salts, including, but not limited to: bicarbonates, citrates and chloride salts, and combinations thereof.

Specific examples of suitable rehydration salts that can be used in the oral rehydration compositions of the invention include, but are not limited to:

-   -   sodium chloride,     -   potassium chloride,     -   sodium citrate (including monosodium citrate, disodium citrate         and trisodium citrate),     -   sodium bicarbonate, and     -   combinations thereof.

The sodium incorporated in oral rehydration compositions of the invention is absorbed along the length of both the small and large bowel. The sodium in a composition of the invention, for example a beverage, food item or oral rehydration composition of the invention, may come from a single source, for example from sodium chloride, or from a combination of sources, for example from sodium chloride and trisodium citrate (dihydrate).

The inventors have identified that the incorporation of starch comprising a resistant starch means that the release of glucose in the jejunum and the ileum, and the release of SCFAs in the colon matches the regional need, or capability, for sodium absorption.

In one embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises at least one source of sodium.

30 In one embodiment the salt composition comprises at least one source of potassium.

In one embodiment the salt composition comprises at least one source of sodium and at least one source of potassium.

In one embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises sodium chloride.

In one embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises potassium chloride.

In one embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises trisodium citrate (dihydrate).

In one embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises sodium bicarbonate.

Herein, rehydration salts are disclosed in quantities in ranges of “mg/L” or “g/L”. These values disclose the quantity of the rehydration salts that would be present in an aqueous composition produced by combining an oral rehydration composition of the invention with 1 L of water.

In one embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises sodium chloride, wherein the sodium chloride is present in an amount in a range of from about 0.8 g/L to about 5.2 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L to about 3 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 2.4 g/L to about 2.8 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 0.8 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 1.2 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 1.6 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 2.0 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 2.4 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 2.8 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 3.2 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 3.6 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 4.0 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 4.4 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 4.8 g/L to about 5.2 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 4.8 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 4.4 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 4.0 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 3.6 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 3.2 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 2.8 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 2.4 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 2.0 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 1.6 g/L; or about 0.8 g/L to about 1.2 g/L.

In another embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises potassium chloride, wherein the potassium chloride is present in an amount in a range of from about 0.2 g/L to about 2 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 0.8 g/L to about 1.9 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 1.4 g/L to about 1.6 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 0.2 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 0.4 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 0.6 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 1.0 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 1.2 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 1.4 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 1.6 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 1.8 g/L to about 2 g/L; about 0.2 g/L to about 1.8 g/L; about 0.2 g/L to about 1.6 g/L; about 0.2 g/L to about 1.4 g/L; about 0.2 g/L to about 1.2 g/L; about 0.2 g/L to about 1.0 g/L; about 0.2 g/L to about 0.8 g/L; about 0.2 g/L to about 0.6 g/L; or about 0.2 g/L to about 0.4 g/L.

In another embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises trisodium citrate (dihydrate), wherein the trisodium citrate (dihydrate) is present in an amount in a range of from about 0 g/L to about 3.4 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 1.0 g/L to about 3.2 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 2.7 g/L to about 3.1 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 0.4 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 1.2 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 1.6 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 2.0 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 2.4 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 2.8 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 3.2 g/L to about 3.4 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 3.0 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 2.6 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 2.2 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 1.8 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 1.4 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 1.0 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 1.0 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 0.6 g/L; or about 0 g/L to about 0.2 g/L.

In yet another embodiment the salt composition of the invention comprises sodium bicarbonate, wherein the sodium bicarbonate is present in an amount in a range of from about 0 g/L to about 3 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 2.2 g/L to about 2.8 g/L, more preferably in an amount from about 2.4 g/L to about 2.6 g/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 0 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 0.4 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 0.8 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 1.2 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 1.6 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 2.0 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 2.4 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 2.8 g/L to about 3 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 2.6 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 2.2 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 1.8 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 1.4 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 1.0 g/L; about 0 g/L to about 0.6 g/L; or about 0 g/L to about 0.2 g/L.

In yet another embodiment, the salt composition of the invention comprises one compound or one or more compounds selected from: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, trisodium citrate (dihydrate) and sodium bicarbonate in amounts as disclosed herein.

In another embodiment an oral rehydration composition of the invention comprises sodium in an amount in a range from about 450 mg/L to about 800 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 500 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 550 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 600 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 650 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 700 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 750 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 450 mg/L to about 750 mg/L; about 450 mg/L to about 700 mg/L; about 450 mg/L to about 650 mg/L; about 450 mg/L to about 600 mg/L; about 450 mg/L to about 550 mg/L; or about 450 mg/L to about 500 mg/L.

In yet another embodiment an oral rehydration composition of the invention comprises potassium in an amount in a range from about 100 mg/L to about 400 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 150 mg/L to about 400 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 400 mg/L; about 250 mg/L to about 400 mg/L; about 300 mg/L to about 400 mg/L; about 350 mg/L to about 400 mg/L; about 100 mg/L to about 350 mg/L; about 100 mg/L to about 300 mg/L; about 100 mg/L to about 250 mg/L; about 100 mg/L to about 200 mg/L; or about 100 mg/L to about 150 mg/L.

Osmolarity

In one embodiment a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, has an osmolarity in a range of about 100 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L, preferably an osmolarity in a range of about 160 mOsmol/L to about 340 mOsmol/L, most preferably an osmolarity in a range of about 170 mOsmol/L to about 245 mOsmol/L. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 125 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 150 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 175 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 200 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 225 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 250 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 275 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 300 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 325 mOsmol/L to about 350 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 325 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 300 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 275 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 250 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 225 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 200 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 175 mOsmol/L; about 100 mOsmol/L to about 150 mOsmol/L; or about 100 mOsmol/L to about 150 mOsmol/L.

Optional Additional Additives:

A composition of the invention, for example a beverage or an oral rehydration composition of the invention, may optionally further comprise additional pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries including, but not limited to:

-   -   colours,     -   flavours (for example lemon, raspberry apple, blackcurrant,         tropical, pineapple or orange flavourings), the flavourings may         be provided by a commercial cordial),     -   sweeteners (including, but not limited to: sweeteners from both         natural and artificial sources, sugars, sugar alcohols (polyols)         and proteins, for example: natural sweeteners (for example         mogrosides, glucose, fructose, sucrose and LoGicane™); amino         acids (for example alanine, glycine, serine); artificial high         intensity sweeteners (for example sucralose, alitame, cyclamate,         aspartame, neotame, potassium acesulfame, and saccharin);         natural high intensity sweeteners (for example, Stevia         rebaudiana, Luo Han Guo, and glycyrrhizin from liquorice root);         sweet-tasting proteins (for example, thaumatin from         Thaumatococcus daniellii, monellin from Dioscoreophyllum         cumminsii, brazzein from Pentadiplandra brazzeana, mabinlin and         curculin); sugar alcohols—polyols or hydrogenated sugars—(for         example sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt         and erythritol); and starch derived sweeteners (for example         maltodextrins, glucose syrup, malto-oligosaccharides, tagatose         and polydextrose). The sweetener may be chosen in order to         contribute more than sweetness to an oral rehydration         composition of the invention, for example body or mouth feel,         reduced calories, or reduced osmotic effect. These exemplified         sweeteners might be used alone or in combination to give the         desired organoleptic appeal and physiological effect,     -   flow agents, including (for example silica),     -   zinc, wherein the zinc is in the form of water soluble salts         including, but not limited to: zinc acetate, zinc picolinate or         zinc gluconate,     -   magnesium, wherein the magnesium is in the form of water soluble         salts including, but not limited to: magnesium chloride,     -   copper, wherein copper is in the form of water soluble salts         including, but not limited to: copper sulphate,     -   probiotics,     -   prebiotics     -   glucose,     -   and combinations thereof.

Herein, the optional additional additives are disclosed in quantities in ranges of “mg/L” or “g/L”. These values disclose the quantity of the optional additional additives that would be present in an aqueous composition produced by, for example, combining an oral rehydration composition of the invention with 1 L of water.

In one embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, further comprises silica, wherein the silica is present in an amount in a range from about 200 mg/L to about 800 mg/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 300 mg/L to about 700 mg/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 400 mg/L to about 600 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 250 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 300 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 350 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 400 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 450 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 500 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 550 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 600 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 650 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 700 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 750 mg/L to about 800 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 750 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 700 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 650 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 600 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 550 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 500 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 450 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 400 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 350 mg/L; about 200 mg/L to about 300 mg/L; or about 200 mg/L to about 250 mg/L.

In another embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, further comprises zinc acetate, wherein the zinc acetate is present in an amount to provide elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 2 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 4 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 5 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 6 mg/about 10 mg/L; about 7 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 8 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 9 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 9 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 8 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 7 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 5 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 3 mg/L; or about 1 mg/L to about 2 mg/L.

In another embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, further comprises zinc gluconate, wherein the zinc gluconate is present in an amount to provide elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 2 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 4 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 5 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 6 mg/about 10 mg/L; about 7 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 8 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 9 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 9 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 8 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 7 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 5 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 3 mg/L; or about 1 mg/L to about 2 mg/L.

In another embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, further comprises zinc picolinate, wherein the zinc picolinate is present in an amount to provide elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 2 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 4 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 5 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 6 mg/about 10 mg/L; about 7 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 8 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 9 mg/L to about 10 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 9 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 8 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 7 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 5 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 3 mg/L; or about 1 mg/L to about 2 mg/L.

In yet another embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, further comprises magnesium chloride, wherein the magnesium chloride is present in an amount to provide elemental magnesium in a range from about 3 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 3.5 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 4.0 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 4.5 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 5.0 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 5.5 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 6.0 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 6.5 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 7.0 mg/L to about 7.8 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 7.5 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 7.0 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 6.5 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 6.0 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 5.5 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 5.0 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 4.5 mg/L; about 3 mg/L to about 4.0 mg/L; or about 3 mg/L to about 3.5 mg/L.

In a further embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, further comprises copper sulphate, wherein the copper sulphate is present in an amount to provide elemental copper in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 4 mg/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 mg/L to about 3 mg/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 2.2 mg/L to about 2.8 mg/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 1.5 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 2.0 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 2.5 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 3.0 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 3.5 mg/L to about 4 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 3.5 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 3.0 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 2.5 mg/L; about 1 mg/L to about 2.0 mg/L; or about 1 mg/L to about 1.5 mg/L.

In another further embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, can, if required, further comprise glucose, wherein the glucose is present in an amount in a range from about 1 g/L to about 25 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L to about 13 g/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L to about 8 g/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 2.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 17.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 22.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 22.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 17.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; or about 1 g/L to about 5 g/L.

In another further embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, can, if required, further comprise anhydrous glucose, wherein the anhydrous glucose is present in an amount in a range from about 1 g/L to about 25 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L to about 13 g/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L to about 8 g/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 2.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 17.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 22.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 22.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 17.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; or about 1 g/L to about 5 g/L.

In another further embodiment, a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, can, if required, further comprise glucose monohydrate, wherein the glucose monohydrate is present in an amount in a range from about 1 g/L to about 25 g/L, preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L to about 13 g/L, most preferably in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L to about 8 g/L. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 2.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 7.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 10 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 12.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 15 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 17.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 20 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 22.5 g/L to about 25 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 22.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 20 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 17.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 15 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 12.5 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 10 g/L; about 1 g/L to about 7.5 g/L; or about 1 g/L to about 5 g/L.

In yet a further embodiment a composition of the invention, for example a beverage or oral rehydration composition of the invention, can comprise glucose (for example anhydrous glucose or glucose monohydrate) in an amount of about 5 g/L.

Treatment of Dehydration

The oral rehydration compositions of the invention can be used in the treatment of dehydration.

Herein an individual may be suffering from dehydration which is substantially or wholly due to diarrhoea. Alternatively an individual's dehydration may be caused in part by diarrhoea in combination with other factors such as: environmental temperatures, other medical conditions or illnesses, or through physical exertion.

Herein, an individual may be suffering from dehydration which is substantially or wholly due to the individual taking in a physical activity such as a sport.

In one embodiment an oral rehydration composition of the invention is combined in water, preferably drinking water, to yield an aqueous composition that is used to treat an individual suffering from dehydration.

In another embodiment an oral rehydration composition of the invention is combined in water, preferably drinking water, to yield an aqueous composition that is used to treat an individual suffering from dehydration caused by diarrhoea, or caused by diarrhoea in combination with other factors such as: environmental temperatures, other medical conditions or illnesses, or through physical exertion.

In another embodiment an oral rehydration composition of the invention is combined in water, preferably drinking water, to yield an aqueous composition that is used to treat an individual suffering from dehydration caused by the individual taking part in a physical activity, or caused by the individual taking part in a physical activity in combination with other factors such as: environmental temperatures, or other medical conditions or illnesses.

In a further embodiment, an effective amount of an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention required to treat an individual suffering from dehydration will be known to a person skilled in the art. The effective amount will be dependent on the severity of dehydration in the individual, the cause of dehydration, whether the individual is being treated to correct or prevent dehydration, and the size and/or age of the individual.

In yet a further embodiment, an effective amount of an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention required to treat an individual suffering from dehydration caused by diarrhoea, will be known to a person skilled in the art. The effective amount will be dependent on the severity of dehydration in the individual, the cause of the diarrhoea, whether the individual is being treated to correct or prevent dehydration, and the size and/or age of the individual.

In yet a further embodiment, an effective amount of an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention required to treat an individual suffering from dehydration caused by the individual partaking in a physical activity, will be known to a person skilled in the art. The effective amount will be dependent on the severity of dehydration in the individual, whether the individual is being treated to correct or prevent dehydration, and the size and/or age of the individual.

In another embodiment an effective amount of an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention required to correct dehydration in a child with diarrhoea is about 75 mL/kg given in four hours to the child, for example when the child comes to a health care facility.

In another embodiment, when an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention is for the treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhoea in a patient, the patient is given as much of the aqueous composition as required until the diarrhoea stops, based on the severity of the dehydration and the age of the patient.

In yet another embodiment, when an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention is for the treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhoea in a patient and the patient is a child under 2 years of age, after each loose stool the patient is given the aqueous composition in an amount in a range of about 42.5 mL to about 115 mL, preferably an amount in a range of about 45 mL to about 110 mL, most preferably in an amount in a range of about 50 mL to about 100 mL. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 45 mL to about 115 mL; about 55 mL to about 115 mL; about 65 mL to about 115 mL; about 75 mL to about 115 mL; about 85 mL to about 115 mL; about 95 mL to about 115 mL; about 105 mL to about 115 mL; about 42.5 mL to about 105 mL; about 42.5 mL to about 95 mL; about 42.5 mL to about 85 mL; about 42.5 mL to about 75 mL; about 42.5 mL to about 65 mL; or about 42.5 mL to about 55 mL.

In yet another embodiment, when an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention is for the treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhoea in a patient and the patient is a child aged 2 up to 10 years, after each loose stool the patient is given the aqueous composition in an amount in a range of about 85 mL to about 230 mL, preferably an amount in a range of about 90 mL to about 220 mL, most preferably in an amount in a range of about 100 mL to about 200 mL. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 90 mL to about 230 mL; about 100 mL to about 230 mL; about 110 mL to about 230 mL; about 120 mL to about 230 mL; about 130 mL to about 230 mL; about 140 mL to about 230 mL; about 150 mL to about 230 mL; about 160 mL to about 230 mL; about 170 mL to about 230 mL; about 180 mL to about 230 mL; about 190 mL to about 230 mL; about 200 mL to about 230 mL; about 210 mL to about 230 mL; about 220 mL to about 230 mL; about 85 mL to about 230 mL; about 85 mL to about 230 mL; about 85 mL to about 230 mL; about 85 mL to about 230 mL; about 85 mL to about 220 mL; about 85 mL to about 210 mL; about 85 mL to about 200 mL; about 85 mL to about 190 mL; about 85 mL to about 180 mL; about 85 mL to about 170 mL; about 85 mL to about 160 mL; about 85 mL to about 150 mL; about 85 mL to about 140 mL; about 85 mL to about 130 mL; about 85 mL to about 120 mL; about 85 mL to about 110 mL; about 85 mL to about 100 mL; or about 85 mL to about 90 mL.

In yet another embodiment, when an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention is for the treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhoea in a patient and the patient is a child more than 10 years old or an adult, after each loose stool the patient is given the aqueous composition in an amount in a range of about 8.5 mL/kg body weight to about 11.5 mL/kg body weight, preferably an amount in a range of about 9 mL/kg body weight to about 11 mL/kg body weight, most preferably in an amount of about 10 mL/kg body weight. Exemplified ranges include, but are not limited to: about 9 mL/kg body weight to about 11.5 mL/kg body weight; about 9.5 mL/kg body weight to about 11.5 mL/kg body weight; about 10 mL/kg body weight to about 11.5 mL/kg body weight; about 10.5 mL/kg body weight to about 11.5 mL/kg body weight; about 11 mL/kg body weight to about 11.5 mL/kg body weight; about 8.5 mL/kg body weight to about 11 mL/kg body weight; about 8.5 mL/kg body weight to about 10.5 mL/kg body weight; about 8.5 mL/kg body weight to about 10 mL/kg body weight; about 8.5 mL/kg body weight to about 9.5 mL/kg body weight; or about 8.5 mL/kg body weight to about 9 mL/kg body weight.

In yet another embodiment, when an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention is for the treatment of dehydration caused by diarrhoea in a patient and the patient is a child more than 10 years old or an adult, after each loose stool the patient is given as much of the aqueous composition as is required to treat the dehydration, based upon the severity of the dehydration.

In some embodiments the dehydration is caused by diarrhoea resulting from a disease or infection. Examples of infections include, but are not limited to, gastrointestinal infections caused by:

-   -   bacterial pathogens including E. coli, Shigella, V. cholerae         (leading to cholera), Campylobacter, Aeromonas, Clostridium         difficile and Salmonella;     -   viral pathogens including rotavirus and norovirus (formerly         known as Norwalk virus); and     -   protozoan pathogens including Giardia intestinalis,         Cryptosporidium, Isospora belli, Encephalitozoon intestinalis         and Entamoeba histolytica.

In a further embodiment, an oral rehydration composition of the invention is used to treat dehydration caused by situations other than disease including, for example, physical exertion through sport, or dehydration caused by exposure to a hot environment. Here the effective amount of oral rehydration composition of the invention consumed will be dependent on the severity of the dehydration in the individual.

In yet a further embodiment, oral rehydration compositions of the invention can be used in the treatment of dehydration in an animal. The components of the oral rehydration, as defined herein (in one embodiment, the components include: a salt composition, a starch comprising a resistant starch, a suspending agent and optionally one or more of an optional additional additive as hereinbefore defined), will be appropriately chosen by a person skilled in the art based on species and the size of the animal.

In a further embodiment, the effective amount of an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention required to treat an animal suffering from dehydration will be known to a person skilled in the art. The effective amount will be dependent on the severity of dehydration in the animal, the cause of dehydration, the species of the animal and the size and/or age of the animal.

In yet a further embodiment, oral rehydration compositions of the invention can be used with an animal that engages in a physical activity, such as a sport (for example dog or horse racing). The components of the oral rehydration, as defined herein (in one embodiment, the components include: a salt composition, a starch comprising a resistant starch, a suspending agent and optionally one or more of an optional additional additive as hereinbefore defined), will be appropriately chosen by a person skilled in the art based on species and the size of the animal. The oral rehydration composition allowing the animal to be rehydrated following the physical activity or during the physical activity.

In yet a further embodiment, oral rehydration compositions of the invention can be used with an animal to provide a treatment for dehydration caused by diarrhoea, wherein the diarrhoea is caused by, for example, diseases, including, but not limited to: bacterial and viral induced diarrhoea and also diarrhoea which is a result of weaning the animal. The components of the oral rehydration, as defined herein (in one embodiment, the components include: a salt composition, a starch comprising a resistant starch, a suspending agent and optionally one or more of an optional additional additive as hereinbefore defined), will be appropriately chosen by a person skilled in the art based on species and the size of the animal.

In a further embodiment, the effective amount of an aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration composition of the invention required to treat an animal suffering from dehydration following a physical activity, such as a sport, or to maintain hydration during a physical activity, in an animal will be known to a person skilled in the art. The effective amount will be dependent on the severity of dehydration in the animal, the cause of dehydration, the species of the animal and the size and/or age of the animal.

Herein, the term “animal” includes, but is not limited to:

-   -   mammals, including but not limited to:         -   dogs (including greyhounds), cats, rabbits, horses;         -   laboratory animals (including, but not limited to: rats,             mice and primates);         -   livestock and farmed animals (including, but not limited to:             cattle, buffalo, llamas, pigs, sheep, alpaca and deer);     -   reptiles; and     -   birds.

Beverages, Food Items and Additional Drinks Comprising a Resistant Starch

Herein a beverage that comprises a resistant starch can be consumed by an individual prior to the individual taking part in a physical activity such as a sport. Alternatively the beverage may be consumed during or after the physical activity. The beverage may be provided in order to rehydrate an individual or to maintain hydration.

Herein a food item that comprises a resistant starch can be consumed by an individual prior to the individual taking part in a physical activity such as a sport. Alternatively the food item may be consumed during or after the physical activity. The food item may be provided in order to aid in the rehydration of an individual or to help in maintaining hydration in the individual.

In one embodiment the beverage may be an oral rehydration composition as defined herein.

In one preferred embodiment, the beverage comprises a resistant starch.

In one preferred embodiment, the food item comprises a resistant starch.

In one embodiment, a beverage of the invention, comprises at least one of either a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch, where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In yet another embodiment, a beverage of the invention comprises at least one of either a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4, or RS5 resistant starch, in an amount as disclosed herein, where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In yet another embodiment, a beverage of the invention comprises a mixture of two or more of a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch, where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In yet another embodiment, a beverage of the invention comprises a mixture of two or more of a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch, wherein each of the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 materials, are present in an amount as disclosed herein and where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In one embodiment, a food item of the invention, comprises at least one of either a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch, where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In yet another embodiment, a food item of the invention comprises at least one of either a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4, or RS5 resistant starch, in an amount as disclosed herein, where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In yet another embodiment, a food item of the invention comprises a mixture of two or more of a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch, where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In yet another embodiment, a food item of the invention comprises a mixture of two or more of a: RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 resistant starch, wherein each of the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 materials, are present in an amount as disclosed herein and where the RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 materials are as defined herein.

In one embodiment a beverage, food item or an additional drink of the invention comprises a salt composition as defined herein.

In one embodiment a beverage, food item or an additional drink of the invention comprise compounds selected from sodium and potassium salts, including, but not limited to: bicarbonates, citrates and chloride salts, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of salts that can be used include, but are not limited to:

-   -   sodium chloride,     -   potassium chloride,     -   sodium citrate (including monosodium citrate, disodium citrate         and trisodium citrate),     -   sodium bicarbonate, and     -   combinations thereof.

In one embodiment a beverage or an additional drink of the invention comprises a suspending agent as defined herein.

In another embodiment, a beverage or an additional drink of the invention comprises a suspending agent selected from the group comprising, but not limited to:

-   -   xanthan gum (including, for example, Grindsted® Xanthan Clear         Easy A21191),     -   guar gum,     -   gelatine (derived from animal, fish, etc.),     -   carrageenan (iota, lambda, kappa) (derived from seaweed),     -   agar,     -   alginate,     -   locust bean gum,     -   gum arabic,     -   cellulose (including, for example, methyl-, carboxy methyl- and         hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose),     -   gellan,     -   pectin, and     -   combinations thereof.

The beverage may be water, a fruit juice based drink or a milk based drink. Examples of beverages include, but are not limited to:

-   -   a diluted cordial drink;     -   a milk based drink (including, for example: milk from a dairy         source, soy/almond/rice/oat or coconut milk (non-dairy milks or         plant derived milks), powdered milk that can be mixed with         water, or long-life milk);     -   a smoothie, (including, for example: a combination of: fruit and         milk, fruit and water, yoghurt and fruit, or ice-cream and         fruit);     -   a protein shake (including, for example: a protein shake that         uses a milk or water as a base for example a protein powder that         is mixed with water or milk); and     -   breakfast beverages.

In one embodiment the beverage is consumed by an individual prior to the individual taking part in a physical activity. In this embodiment the individual “pre-loads” with the resistant starch which is incorporated into the beverage. The presence of the resistant starch leads to the production of SCFAs. These SCFAs then aid in water and salt absorption in the large intestine. This allows a beverage, an oral rehydration solution, or similar solution, consumed at a later time, to be absorbed more effectively and enhance rehydration or maintain hydration in the individual. This means individuals taking part in sport are then able to maintain or restore their hydration levels during and following a physical activity.

In one embodiment the beverage is consumed by an individual at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours prior to the individual taking part in a physical activity.

An additional drink and/or an additional food item may be consumed in conjunction with the beverage, or before or after consumption of the beverage. For example the additional drink and/or an additional food may be consumed about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours after an individual has consumed a beverage of the invention, for example the additional drink and/or an additional food may be consumed during a physical activity or after the physical activity has concluded.

In one embodiment the food item is consumed by an individual prior to the individual taking part in a physical activity. In this embodiment the individual “pre-loads” with the resistant starch which is incorporated into the food item. As previously stated, the presence of the resistant starch leads to the production of SCFAs which in turn aid in water and salt absorption in the large intestine. This allows a beverage, an oral rehydration solution or a similar solution, or an additional drink, consumed at a later time (after consumption of the food item), to be absorbed more effectively and enhance rehydration or maintain hydration in the individual. This means individuals taking part in sport are then able to maintain or restore their hydration levels during and following a physical activity.

In one embodiment the food item is consumed by an individual at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours prior to the individual taking part in a physical activity.

Herein “food item” and “food items” encompasses solid and substantially solid items composed of a foodstuff that is eaten or taken into an organic body, for example a human or an animal, for nourishment. The “food item” or “food items” may comprise a starch comprising a resistant starch as defined herein. The food item may be in the form of, but not limited to: a bar, a biscuit, bread, cake, muffin, cookie, cereal, pasta, noodles, pancakes, waffles, pizza, yoghurt or an ice cream. Alternatively the food item may be in the form of a flour or a flour substitute, which could be used in the production of food items including, but not limited to: bars, breads, biscuits, cakes, muffins, cookies, cereals, pastas, noodles, pancakes, waffles, pizza bases, yoghurts or ice creams. In addition, the food item may be in the form of a tablet. For example an individual could consume one or more tablets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, or 12 hours prior to taking part in a physical activity in order to rehydrate the individual or maintain hydration in the individual.

Herein “additional drink” and “additional drinks” encompasses liquids that are swallowed or taken into an organic body, for example a human or an animal.

In one embodiment the additional drink may be: water, a fruit juice based drink, or a milk based drink. Examples of additional drinks include, but are not limited to:

-   -   a diluted cordial drink;     -   a milk based drink (including, for example: milk from a dairy         source, soy/almond/rice/oat or coconut milk (non-dairy milks or         plant derived milks), powdered milk that can be mixed with         water, or long-life milk);     -   a smoothie, (including, for example: a combination of: fruit and         milk, fruit and water, yoghurt and fruit, or ice-cream and         fruit);     -   a protein shake (including, for example: a protein shake that         uses a milk or water as a base for example a protein powder that         is mixed with water or milk); and     -   breakfast beverages.

In one embodiment the additional drink or additional drinks may comprise a starch comprising a resistant starch as defined herein.

In an alternative embodiment the additional drink or additional drinks does not comprise a starch comprising a resistant starch as defined herein.

In one embodiment an additional drink is drunk after consumption of the beverage, for example at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours after an individual has consumed the beverage.

In one embodiment an additional drink or a beverage is drunk after consumption of the food item, for example at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours after an individual has consumed the food item.

In one embodiment the additional drink is an oral rehydration composition as defined herein.

In one embodiment the additional drink is a beverage as defined herein.

In one embodiment the additional food is consumed after consumption of the beverage, for 20 example at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours after an individual has consumed the beverage.

In one embodiment to prevent an individual overhydrating their body, in one embodiment the beverage is consumed by an individual in combination with a food item or an additional drink, wherein the food item and the additional drink can comprise a starch that comprises resistant starch, as defined herein.

In another embodiment the additional food item comprises about 1 to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch, preferably about 20 to about 100 g of starch comprising a resistant starch, more preferably about 25 to about 75 g of starch comprising a resistant starch. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 20 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 30 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 40 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 50 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 60 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 70 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 80 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 90 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 100 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 110 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 120 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 130 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 140 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 150 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 160 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 170 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 180 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 190 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 200 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 210 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 220 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 230 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 240 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 250 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 260 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 270 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 280 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 290 g to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 290 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 280 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 270 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 260 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 250 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 240 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 230 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 220 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 210 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 200 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 190 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 180 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 170 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 160 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 150 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 140 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 130 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 120 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 110 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; or about 1 g to about 100 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 90 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 80 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 70 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 60 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 50 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 40 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 30 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 1 g to about 20 g of starch comprising a resistant starch, or about 0.1 g, about 0.2 g, about 0.3 g, about 0.4 g, about 0.5 g, about 0.6 g, about 0.7 g, about 0.8 g, about 0.9 g, about 1 g, about 2 g, about 3 g, about 4 g, about 5 g, about 6 g, about 7 g, about 8 g, about 9 g or about 10 g of starch comprising a resistant starch.

In another embodiment the additional drink comprises about 50 to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch, preferably about 100 to about 250 g of starch comprising a resistant starch, more preferably about 100 to about 200 g of starch comprising a resistant starch. Exemplified ranges include but are not limited to: about 100 to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 150 to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 200 to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 250 to about 300 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 50 to about 250 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 50 to about 200 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; about 50 to about 150 g of starch comprising a resistant starch; or about 50 to about 100 g of starch comprising a resistant starch.

In one embodiment a beverage the invention may optionally further comprise additional auxiliaries including, but not limited to:

-   -   colours,     -   flavours (for example lemon, raspberry apple, blackcurrant,         tropical, pineapple or orange flavourings, the flavourings may         be provided by a commercial cordial), and     -   sweeteners (including, but not limited to: sweeteners from both         natural and artificial sources, sugars, sugar alcohols (polyols)         and proteins, for example: natural sweeteners (for example         mogrosides, glucose, fructose, sucrose and LoGicane™); amino         acids (for example alanine, glycine, serine); artificial high         intensity sweeteners (for example sucralose, alitame, cyclamate,         aspartame, neotame, potassium acesulfame, and saccharin);         natural high intensity sweeteners (for example, Stevia         rebaudiana, Luo Han Guo, and glycyrrhizin from liquorice root);         sweet-tasting proteins (for example, thaumatin from         Thaumatococcus daniellii, monellin from Dioscoreophyllum         cumminsii, brazzein from Pentadiplandra brazzeana, mabinlin and         curculin); sugar alcohols—polyols or hydrogenated sugars —(for         example sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt         and erythritol); and starch derived sweeteners (for example         maltodextrins, glucose syrup, malto-oligosaccharides, tagatose         and polydextrose). The sweetener may be chosen in order to         contribute more than sweetness to a beverage or additional drink         of the invention, for example body or mouth feel, reduced         calories, or reduced osmotic effect. These exemplified         sweeteners might be used alone or in combination to give the         desired organoleptic appeal and physiological effect.

In one embodiment an additional drink of the invention may optionally further comprise additional auxiliaries including, but not limited to:

-   -   colours,     -   flavours (for example lemon, raspberry apple, blackcurrant,         tropical, pineapple or orange flavourings, the flavourings may         be provided by a commercial cordial), and     -   sweeteners (including, but not limited to: sweeteners from both         natural and artificial sources, sugars, sugar alcohols (polyols)         and proteins, for example: natural sweeteners (for example         mogrosides, glucose, fructose, sucrose and LoGicane™); amino         acids (for example alanine, glycine, serine); artificial high         intensity sweeteners (for example sucralose, alitame, cyclamate,         aspartame, neotame, potassium acesulfame, and saccharin);         natural high intensity sweeteners (for example, Stevia         rebaudiana, Luo Han Guo, and glycyrrhizin from liquorice root);         sweet-tasting proteins (for example, thaumatin from         Thaumatococcus daniellii, monellin from Dioscoreophyllum         cumminsii, brazzein from Pentadiplandra brazzeana, mabinlin and         curculin); sugar alcohols—polyols or hydrogenated sugars —(for         example sorbitol, xylitol, lactitol, mannitol, maltitol, isomalt         and erythritol); and starch derived sweeteners (for example         maltodextrins, glucose syrup, malto-oligosaccharides, tagatose         and polydextrose). The sweetener may be chosen in order to         contribute more than sweetness to a beverage or additional drink         of the invention, for example body or mouth feel, reduced         calories, or reduced osmotic effect. These exemplified         sweeteners might be used alone or in combination to give the         desired organoleptic appeal and physiological effect.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Throughout this specification, the term “consisting essentially of” is intended to exclude elements which would materially affect the properties of the claimed composition.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A. An oral rehydration composition comprising:

-   -   a salt composition;     -   at least one substance selected from the group consisting of:         -   a starch comprising a resistant starch;         -   a dietary fibre;         -   other starches or starch containing materials; and         -   combinations thereof;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the at         least one substance in water; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   glucose;         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; and         -   combinations thereof.             B. The oral rehydration composition according to example             embodiment A, wherein the starch comprising a resistant             starch is selected from the group consisting of: an RS1,             RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 starch, or combinations thereof.             C. The oral rehydration composition according to example             embodiment A, wherein the dietary fibre is selected from the             group consisting of: psyllium; inulin; oligosaccharides,             such as fructo-, galacto-, malto-, isomalto-, gentio-,             agaro, neoagaro-, α-gluco-, β-gluco-, cyclo-, inulo-,             glycosyl sucrose, latulose, lactosucrose, or xylosucrose;             bran, pericarp, endosperm, or cell wall material from             cereals such as wheat, triticale, sorghum, mile, rice, sago,             potato, tapioca, cassava, oats, barley, and corn, or pulses,             such as peas and lupins, and the like, which may be further             processed or modified, such as by bleaching, and             combinations thereof.             D. The oral rehydration composition according to example             embodiment A, wherein the other starches or starch             containing materials is selected from the group consisting             of: plant components, such as, grain, tuber, seeds, and the             like, which may be physically, enzymatically or chemically             modified, such as through the processes of dextrinisation or             dry roasting in the presence or absence of a catalyst such             as hydrochloric, nitric, sulfuric acid, and combinations             thereof.             E. The oral rehydration composition according to example             embodiment A or example embodiment B, wherein the starch             comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group             consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         F. An oral rehydration composition comprising:     -   a salt composition;     -   at least one substance selected from the group consisting of:         -   a class V high amylose maize starch;         -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;         -   a class VII high amylose maize starch         -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;         -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;         -   a class X high amylose maize starch;         -   a type IV resistant starch;         -   a type V resistant starch; and         -   combinations thereof;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the at         least one substance in water; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   glucose;         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; or         -   combinations thereof.             G. An oral rehydration composition consisting essentially             of:     -   a salt composition;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the starch         comprising a resistant starch in water; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; and         -   combinations thereof.             H. The oral rehydration composition of example embodiment E,             wherein the starch comprising a resistant starch is selected             from the group consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         I. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments E, F or H, wherein the type IV resistant         starch is a resistant starch material that has been exposed to a         chemical process selected from the group consisting of:     -   a thermal or hydrothermal treatment;     -   an enzymatic modification;     -   an oxidation or bleaching process;     -   a cross-bonding or crosslinking process;     -   treatment with propylene oxide;     -   treatment with glycerol;     -   an etherification process;     -   an esterification (or acylation) process;     -   an acidification process;     -   an alkalisation process;     -   a dextrinisation process;     -   a phosphorylation process; and     -   combinations thereof,         to produce the type IV resistant starch.         J. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments E, F, H or I, wherein the type IV resistant         starch is selected from the group consisting of:     -   a retrograded gelatinised class VII high amylose maize starch;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acetylated;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acylated;     -   a bleached starch material;     -   an oxidised starch material;     -   an acid treated starch material;     -   an alkaline treated starch material     -   a phosphorylated starch material;     -   acetylated tapioca starch;     -   acetylated rice starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         K. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments E, F or H, wherein the starch comprising a         resistant starch is a type V resistant starch.         L. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to K, wherein the salt composition         comprises one or more than one of:     -   sodium chloride;     -   potassium chloride; and     -   trisodium citrate (dihydrate).         M. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to L, wherein:     -   the salt composition comprises sodium chloride, wherein the         sodium chloride is present in an amount in a range of from about         0.8 g/L to about 5.2 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about         2 g/L to about 3 g/L, or in an amount from about 2.4 g/L to         about 2.8 g/L, when the oral rehydration composition is added to         water; and/or     -   the salt composition comprises potassium chloride, wherein the         potassium chloride is present in an amount in a range of from         about 0.2 g/L to about 2 g/L, or in an amount in a range from         about 0.8 g/L to about 1.9 g/L, or in an amount from about 1.4         g/L to about 1.6 g/L, when the oral rehydration composition is         added to water; and/or     -   the salt composition comprises trisodium citrate (dihydrate),         wherein the trisodium citrate (dihydrate) is present in an         amount in a range of from about 0 g/L to about 3.4 g/L, or in an         amount in a range from about 1.0 g/L to about 3.2 g/L, or in an         amount from about 2.7 g/L to about 3.1 g/L, when the oral         rehydration composition is added to water.         N. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to L, wherein the oral rehydration         composition comprises sodium in an amount in a range of about         450 mg/L to about 800 mg/L, when the oral rehydration         composition is added to water.         O. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to L or N, wherein the oral rehydration         composition comprises potassium in an amount in a range of about         100 mg/L to about 400 mg/L, when the oral rehydration         composition is added to water.         P. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to 0, wherein the starch comprising a         resistant starch is present in an amount in a range of from         about 10 g/L to about 80 g/L, or in an amount in a range from         about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, or in an amount from about 45 g/L         to about 55 g/L, when the oral rehydration composition is added         to water.         Q. The oral rehydration composition according to example         embodiment A or example embodiment D, the wherein the other         starches and starch containing materials is present in an amount         in a range of from about 3 g/L to about 80 g/L, or in an amount         in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60 g/L, or in an amount in         a range from about 45 g/L to about 55 g/L, when the oral         rehydration composition is added to water.         R. The oral rehydration composition according to example         embodiment A or example embodiment C, wherein the dietary fibre         is present in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to about         80 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 35 g/L to about 60         g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 45 g/L to about 55         g/L, when the oral rehydration composition is added to water.         S. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to R, wherein the suspending agent is         selected from the group consisting of:     -   xanthan gum;     -   guar gum;     -   gelatine;     -   carrageenan;     -   agar;     -   alginate;     -   locust bean gum;     -   gum arabic;     -   cellulose (including methyl-, carboxy methyl-, and         hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose);     -   gellan;     -   pectin; and     -   combinations thereof.         T. The oral rehydration composition according to example         embodiment S, wherein:     -   the xanthan gum is present in an amount in a range of from about         0.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about         1 g/L to about 2.5 g/L, or in an amount from about 1.5 g/L to         about 2.25 g/L; and/or     -   guar gum is present in an amount in a range of from about 1.0         g/L to about 10.0 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2.0         g/L to about 6.0 g/L, or in an amount from about 3.0 g/L to         about 5.0 g/L; and/or     -   gelatine is present in an amount in a range of from about 5 g/L         to about 20 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 7 g/L to         about 17.5 g/L, or in an amount from about 10.0 g/L to about         15.0 g/L; and/or     -   carrageenan is present in an amount in a range of from about 5         g/L to about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 6 g/L         to about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 7.5 g/L to about         10.0 g/L; and/or     -   agar is present in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to         about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to         about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0         g/L; and/or     -   alginate is present in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L         to about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to         about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0         g/L; and/or     -   locust bean gum is present in an amount in a range of from about         3 g/L to about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4         g/L to about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about         10.0 g/L; and/or     -   gum Arabic is present in an amount in a range of from about 5         g/L to about 25 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 7 g/L         to about 20 g/L, or in an amount from about 10.0 g/L to about         20.0 g/L; and/or     -   cellulose (including methyl-, carboxy methyl-, and         hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose), is present in an amount in a         range of from about 5 g/L to about 20 g/L, or in an amount in a         range from about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L, or in an amount from         about 7.5 g/L to about 12.0 g/L; and/or     -   gellan is present in an amount in a range of from about 2 g/L to         about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to         about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0         g/L; and/or     -   pectin is present in an amount in a range of from about 2 g/L to         about 25 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 3 g/L to         about 20 g/L, or in an amount from about 3.5 g/L to about 10.0         g/L,         when an oral rehydration composition of the invention is added         to water.         U. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to T, wherein the suspending agent is         xanthan gum.         V. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to U, wherein water soluble salts of zinc,         magnesium or copper are selected from the group consisting of:     -   zinc acetate;     -   zinc picolinate;     -   zinc gluconate;     -   magnesium chloride;     -   copper sulphate; and     -   combinations thereof.         W. The oral rehydration composition according to example         embodiment V, wherein:     -   zinc acetate if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, or         in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, or in         an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; and/or     -   zinc gluconate if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, or         in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, or in         an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; and/or     -   zinc picolinate if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, or         in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, or in         an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; and/or     -   magnesium chloride if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental magnesium in a range from about 3 mg/L to about 7.8         mg/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7         mg/L, or in an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6         mg/L; and/or     -   copper sulphate is present in an amount to provide elemental         copper in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 4 mg/L, or in an         amount in a range from about 2 mg/L to about 3 mg/L, or in an         amount in a range from about 2.2 mg/L to about 2.8 mg/L; and/or     -   sodium bicarbonate if present is present in a range from about 0         g/L to about 3 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2.2         g/L to about 2.8 g/L, or in an amount from about 2.4 g/L to         about 2.6 g/L; and/or     -   glucose if present is present in an amount in a range from about         1 g/L to about 25 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2         g/L to about 13 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L         to about 8 g/L, when an oral rehydration composition of the         invention is added to water.         X. An aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration         composition according to any one of example embodiments A to W,         and water.         Y. An aqueous composition comprising an oral rehydration         composition according to any one of example embodiments A to W,         and water, wherein the aqueous composition rehydrates an         individual affected by dehydration.         Z. The aqueous composition according to example embodiment Y,         wherein the dehydration is caused wholly or partially by         diarrhoea.         AA. The aqueous composition according to example embodiment Y,         wherein the dehydration is caused by the individual engaging in         a physical activity.         AB. The aqueous composition according to example embodiment AA,         wherein the physical activity is a sport.         AC. A method of making an oral rehydration solution according to         any one of example embodiments A to W, the method comprising the         step of adding the oral rehydration composition to water.         AD. A method of rehydrating an individual suffering from         dehydration, wherein the method comprises administering an         effective amount of the oral rehydration composition according         to any one of example embodiments A to W to the individual.         AE. A method of rehydrating an individual suffering from         dehydration, wherein the method 20 comprises administering an         effective amount of the aqueous composition according to any one         of example embodiments X to AB to the individual.         AF. The method according to example embodiment AD or example         embodiment AE, wherein the dehydration is caused wholly or         partially by diarrhoea.         AG. The method according to example embodiment AD or example         embodiment AE, wherein the dehydration is caused by the         individual engaging in a physical activity.         AH. The method according to example embodiment AG, wherein the         physical activity is a sport.         AI. A method of rehydrating an individual suffering from         dehydration, the method comprising a step of administering an         effective amount of an oral rehydration composition that         comprises:     -   a salts composition;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the starch         comprising a     -   resistant starch; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   glucose;         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; or         -   combinations thereof.             AJ. The method of example embodiment AI, wherein the starch             comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group             consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         AK. The method according to example embodiment AJ, wherein the         type IV resistant starch is a resistant starch material that has         been exposed to a chemical process selected from the group         consisting of:     -   a thermal or hydrothermal treatment;     -   an enzymatic modification;     -   an oxidation or bleaching process;     -   a cross-bonding or crosslinking process;     -   treatment with propylene oxide;     -   treatment with glycerol;     -   an etherification process;     -   an esterification (or acylation) process;     -   an acidification process;     -   an alkalisation process;     -   a dextrinisation process;     -   a phosphorylation process; and     -   combinations thereof, to produce the type IV resistant starch.         AL. The method according to any one of example embodiments AJ or         AK, wherein the type IV resistant starch is selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a retrograded gelatinised class VII high amylose maize starch;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acetylated;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acylated;     -   a bleached starch material;     -   an oxidised starch material;     -   an acid treated starch material;     -   an alkaline treated starch material     -   a phosphorylated starch material;     -   acetylated tapioca starch;     -   acetylated rice starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         AM. The method according to example embodiment AJ, wherein the         starch comprising a resistant starch is a type V resistant         starch.         AN. The method according to any one of example embodiments AJ to         AM, wherein the salts composition comprises one or more         compounds selected from the group consisting of:     -   sodium chloride;     -   potassium chloride; and     -   trisodium citrate (dihydrate).         AO. The method according to any one of example embodiments AJ to         AN, wherein the suspending agent is selected from the group         consisting of:     -   xanthan gum;     -   guar gum;     -   gelatine;     -   carrageenan;     -   agar;     -   alginate;     -   locust bean gum;     -   gum arabic;     -   cellulose;     -   gellan;     -   pectin; and     -   combinations thereof.         AP. The method according to any one of example embodiments AJ to         AO, wherein the dehydration is caused wholly or partially by         diarrhoea.         AQ. The method according to any one of example embodiments AJ to         AO, wherein the dehydration is caused by the individual engaging         in a physical activity.         AR. The method according to example embodiment AQ, wherein the         physical activity is a sport.         AS. An oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to W when used to rehydrate an individual         affected by dehydration.         AT. An aqueous composition according to example embodiment X         when used to rehydrate an individual affected by dehydration.         AU. The oral rehydration composition of example embodiment AS or         the aqueous composition of example embodiment AT, wherein the         dehydration is caused wholly or partially by diarrhoea.         AV. The oral rehydration composition of example embodiment AS or         the aqueous composition of example embodiment AT, wherein the         dehydration is caused by the individual engaging in a physical         activity.         AW. The oral rehydration composition or the aqueous composition         of example embodiment AV, wherein the physical activity is a         sport.         AX. Use of an oral rehydration composition according to any one         of example embodiments A to W in the formation of an aqueous         oral rehydration solution for rehydrating an individual affected         by dehydration.         AY. Use of an aqueous composition according to example         embodiment X for rehydrating an individual affected by         dehydration.         AZ. The use of according to example embodiment AX or example         embodiment AY, wherein the dehydration is caused wholly or         partially by diarrhoea.         BA. The use according to example embodiment AX or example         embodiment AY, wherein the dehydration is caused by the         individual engaging in a physical activity.         BB. The use according to example embodiment BA, wherein the         physical activity is a sport.         BC. Use of an oral rehydration composition to rehydrate an         individual suffering from 20 dehydration, the oral rehydration         composition comprising:     -   a salts composition;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch;     -   a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the starch         comprising a     -   resistant starch; and     -   optionally one or more of:         -   glucose;         -   water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         -   sodium bicarbonate; or         -   combinations thereof.             BD. The use of example embodiment BC, wherein the starch             comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group             consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         BE. The use according to example embodiment BD, wherein the type         IV resistant starch is a resistant starch material that has been         exposed to a chemical process selected from the group consisting         of:     -   a thermal or hydrothermal treatment;     -   an enzymatic modification;     -   an oxidation or bleaching process;     -   a cross-bonding or crosslinking process;     -   treatment with propylene oxide;     -   treatment with glycerol;     -   an etherification process;     -   an esterification (or acylation) process;     -   an acidification process;     -   an alkalisation process;     -   a dextrinisation process;     -   a phosphorylation process; and     -   combinations thereof,         to produce the type IV resistant starch.         BF. The use according to any one of example embodiments BD or         BE, wherein the type IV resistant starch is selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a retrograded gelatinised class VII high amylose maize starch;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acetylated;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acylated;     -   a bleached starch material;     -   an oxidised starch material;     -   an acid treated starch material;     -   an alkaline treated starch material     -   a phosphorylated starch material;     -   acetylated tapioca starch;     -   acetylated rice starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         BG. The use according to example embodiment BC or example         embodiment BD, wherein the starch comprising a resistant starch         is a type V resistant starch.         BH. The use according to any one of example embodiments BC to         BG, wherein the salts composition comprises one or more         compounds selected from the group consisting of:     -   sodium chloride;     -   potassium chloride; and     -   trisodium citrate (dihydrate).         BI. The use according to any one of example embodiments BC to         BH, wherein the suspending agent is selected from the group         consisting of:     -   xanthan gum;     -   guar gum;     -   gelatine;     -   carrageenan;     -   agar;     -   alginate;     -   locust bean gum;     -   gum arabic;     -   cellulose;     -   gellan;     -   pectin; and     -   combinations thereof.         BJ. The use of according to any one of example embodiments BC to         BI, wherein the dehydration is caused wholly or partially by         diarrhoea.         BK. The use according to any one of example embodiments BC to         BI, wherein the dehydration is caused by the individual engaging         in a physical activity.         BL. The use according to example embodiment BK, wherein the         physical activity is a sport.         BM. A beverage comprising a resistant starch, wherein the         beverage is formulated for an individual to consume before,         during or after the individual engages in a physical activity.         BN. The beverage of example embodiment BM, wherein the starch         comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group         consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         BO. A beverage comprising a resistant starch selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof,         wherein the beverage is formulated for an individual to consume         before, during or after the individual engages in a physical         activity.         BP. The beverage according to example embodiment BN or example         embodiment BO, wherein the type IV resistant starch is a         resistant starch material that has been exposed to a chemical         process selected from the group consisting of:     -   a thermal or hydrothermal treatment;     -   an enzymatic modification;     -   an oxidation or bleaching process;     -   a cross-bonding or crosslinking process;     -   treatment with propylene oxide;     -   treatment with glycerol;     -   an etherification process;     -   an esterification (or acylation) process;     -   an acidification process;     -   an alkalisation process;     -   a dextrinisation process;     -   a phosphorylation process; and     -   combinations thereof,         to produce the type IV resistant starch.         BQ. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BN         to BP, wherein the type IV resistant starch is selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a retrograded gelatinised class VII high amylose maize starch;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acetylated;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acylated;     -   a bleached starch material;     -   an oxidised starch material;     -   an acid treated starch material;     -   an alkaline treated starch material     -   a phosphorylated starch material;     -   acetylated tapioca starch;     -   acetylated rice starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         BR. The beverage according to example embodiment BN or example         embodiment BO, wherein the starch comprising a resistant starch         is a type V resistant starch.         BS. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to BR further comprising a salt composition.         BT. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to BS, further comprising a salt composition comprising one or         more than one of:     -   sodium chloride;     -   potassium chloride; and     -   trisodium citrate (dihydrate).         BU. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BS         or BT, wherein:     -   the salt composition comprises sodium chloride, wherein the         sodium chloride is present in an amount in a range of from about         0.8 g/L to about 5.2 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about         2 g/L to about 3 g/L, or in an amount from about 2.4 g/L to         about 2.8 g/L; and/or     -   the salt composition comprises potassium chloride, wherein the         potassium chloride is present in an amount in a range of from         about 0.2 g/L to about 2 g/L, or in an amount in a range from         about 0.8 g/L to about 1.9 g/L, or in an amount from about 1.4         g/L to about 1.6 g/L; and/or     -   the salt composition comprises trisodium citrate (dihydrate),         wherein the trisodium citrate (dihydrate) is present in an         amount in a range of from about 0 g/L to about 3.4 g/L, or in an         amount in a range from about 1.0 g/L to about 3.2 g/L, or in an         amount from about 2.7 g/L to about 3.1 g/L.         BV. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BS         or BT, comprising sodium in an amount in a range of about 450         mg/L to about 800 mg/L.         BW. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BS,         BT or BV, comprising potassium in an amount in a range of about         100 mg/L to about 400 mg/L.         BX. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to BW further comprising a suspending agent.         BY. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to BW, further comprising a suspending agent selected from the         group consisting of:     -   xanthan gum;     -   guar gum;     -   gelatine;     -   carrageenan;     -   agar;     -   alginate;     -   locust bean gum;     -   gum arabic;     -   cellulose (including methyl-, carboxy methyl-, and         hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose);     -   gellan;     -   pectin; and     -   combinations thereof.         BZ. The oral rehydration composition according to example         embodiment BY, wherein:     -   the xanthan gum is present in an amount in a range of from about         0.5 g/L to about 5.0 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about         1 g/L to about 2.5 g/L, or in an amount from about 1.5 g/L to         about 2.25 g/L; and/or     -   guar gum is present in an amount in a range of from about 1.0         g/L to about 10.0 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2.0         g/L to about 6.0 g/L, or in an amount from about 3.0 g/L to         about 5.0 g/L; and/or     -   gelatine is present in an amount in a range of from about 5 g/L         to about 20 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 7 g/L to         about 17.5 g/L, or in an amount from about 10.0 g/L to about         15.0 g/L; and/or     -   carrageenan is present in an amount in a range of from about 5         g/L to about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 6 g/L         to about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 7.5 g/L to about         10.0 g/L; and/or     -   agar is present in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L to         about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to         about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0         g/L; and/or     -   alginate is present in an amount in a range of from about 3 g/L         to about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to         about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0         g/L; and/or     -   locust bean gum is present in an amount in a range of from about         3 g/L to about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4         g/L to about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about         10.0 g/L; and/or     -   gum Arabic is present in an amount in a range of from about 5         g/L to about 25 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 7 g/L         to about 20 g/L, or in an amount from about 10.0 g/L to about         20.0 g/L; and/or     -   cellulose (including methyl-, carboxy methyl-, and         hydroxylpropyl methyl-cellulose), is present in an amount in a         range of from about 5 g/L to about 20 g/L, or in an amount in a         range from about 6 g/L to about 15 g/L, or in an amount from         about 7.5 g/L to about 12.0 g/L; and/or     -   gellan is present in an amount in a range of from about 2 g/L to         about 15 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 g/L to         about 12 g/L, or in an amount from about 5.0 g/L to about 10.0         g/L; and/or     -   pectin is present in an amount in a range of from about 2 g/L to         about 25 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 3 g/L to         about 20 g/L, or in an amount from about 3.5 g/L to about 10.0         g/L.         CA. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to BZ, further comprising one or more of:     -   glucose;     -   one or more water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper;         and     -   sodium bicarbonate.         CB. The beverage according to example embodiment CA, wherein         water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper are selected         from the group consisting of:     -   zinc acetate;     -   zinc picolinate;     -   zinc gluconate;     -   magnesium chloride;     -   copper sulphate; and     -   combinations thereof.         CC. The beverage composition according to example embodiment CB,         wherein:     -   zinc acetate if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, or         in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, or in         an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; and/or     -   zinc gluconate if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, or         in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, or in         an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; and/or     -   zinc picolinate if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental zinc in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 10 mg/L, or         in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7 mg/L, or in         an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6 mg/L; and/or     -   magnesium chloride if present is present in an amount to provide         elemental magnesium in a range from about 3 mg/L to about 7.8         mg/L, or in an amount in a range from about 4 mg/L to about 7         mg/L, or in an amount in a range from about 5 mg/L to about 6         mg/L; and/or     -   copper sulphate is present in an amount to provide elemental         copper in a range from about 1 mg/L to about 4 mg/L, or in an         amount in a range from about 2 mg/L to about 3 mg/L, or in an         amount in a range from about 2.2 mg/L to about 2.8 mg/L; and/or     -   sodium bicarbonate if present is present in a range from about 0         g/L to about 3 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2.2         g/L to about 2.8 g/L, or in an amount from about 2.4 g/L to         about 2.6 g/L; and/or     -   glucose if present is present in an amount in a range from about         1 g/L to about 25 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2         g/L to about 13 g/L, or in an amount in a range from about 2 g/L         to about 8 g/L.         CD. A beverage comprising an oral rehydration composition         according to any one of example embodiments A to W that is         formulated for an individual to consume before, during or after         the individual engages in a physical activity.         CE. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CD, wherein the beverage is selected from the group         consisting of:     -   a diluted cordial drink;     -   a milk based drink (including, for example: milk from a dairy         source, soy/almond/rice/oat or coconut milk (non-dairy milks or         plant derived milks), powdered milk that can be mixed with         water, or long-life milk);     -   a smoothie, (including, for example: a combination of: fruit and         milk, fruit and water, yoghurt and fruit, or ice-cream and         fruit);     -   a protein shake (including, for example: a protein shake that         uses a milk or water as a base for example a protein powder that         is mixed with water or milk); and     -   breakfast beverages.         CF. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CE, wherein the physical activity is a sport.         CG. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CF, wherein the beverage is consumed before the individual         engages in the physical activity.         CH. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CG, wherein the beverage is consumed at least about 1, 2, 3,         4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours before the         individual engages in the physical activity.         CI. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CH, wherein the beverage is consumed at least about 1, 2, 3,         4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours before the         individual engages in the physical activity.         CJ. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CI, wherein the individual consumes a food item and/or an         additional drink, in combination with consumption of the         beverage.         CK. The beverage according to example embodiment CJ, wherein the         food item comprises a starch comprising a resistant starch.         CL. The beverage according to example embodiment CJ, wherein the         additional drink comprises a starch comprising a resistant         starch.         CM. The beverage according to example embodiment CJ or example         embodiment CL, wherein the additional drink is selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a diluted cordial drink;     -   a milk based drink (including, for example: milk from a dairy         source, soy/almond/rice/oat or coconut milk (non-dairy milks or         plant derived milks), powdered milk that can be mixed with         water, or long-life milk);     -   a smoothie, (including, for example: a combination of: fruit and         milk, fruit and water, yoghurt and fruit, or ice-cream and         fruit);     -   a protein shake (including, for example: a protein shake that         uses a milk or water as a base for example a protein powder that         is mixed with water or milk); and     -   breakfast beverages.         CN. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments CJ         to CM, wherein the food item and/or the additional drink is         consumed before, during or after the individual engages in the         physical activity.         CO. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments CJ         to CN, wherein the food item and/or the additional drink is         consumed before or after the individual consumes the beverage.         CP. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments CJ         to CO, wherein the food item and/or the additional drink is         consumed at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,         13, 14, 15 or 16 hours after consumption of the beverage.         CQ. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments CJ         to CP, wherein the additional drink is a beverage according to         any one of example embodiments BM to BT or an oral rehydration         composition according to any one of example embodiments A to W.         CR. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CQ, wherein the individual is suffering from dehydration.         CS. The beverage according to example embodiment CR, wherein the         dehydration is caused 30 wholly or partially by diarrhoea.         CT. A food item comprising a resistant starch selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof,         wherein the food item is formulated for an individual to consume         before, during or after the individual engages in a physical         activity.         CU. The food item according to example embodiment CT, wherein         the type IV resistant starch is a resistant starch material that         has been exposed to a chemical process selected from the group         consisting of:     -   a thermal or hydrothermal treatment;     -   an enzymatic modification;     -   an oxidation or bleaching process;     -   a cross-bonding or crosslinking process;     -   treatment with propylene oxide;     -   treatment with glycerol;     -   an etherification process;     -   an esterification (or acylation) process;     -   an acidification process;     -   an alkalisation process;     -   a dextrinisation process;     -   a phosphorylation process; and     -   combinations thereof,         to produce the type IV resistant starch.         CV. The food item according to example embodiment CT, wherein         the starch comprising a resistant starch is a type V resistant         starch.         CW. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to CV, wherein the food item is formulated in a form selected         from the group consisting of:     -   a bar,     -   bread,     -   a biscuit,     -   a cake,     -   a muffin,     -   a cookie,     -   a cereal,     -   pasta,     -   noodles,     -   pancakes, waffles,     -   pizza,     -   yoghurt,     -   ice cream     -   a flour or a flour substitute, which can be used in the         production of food items including, but not limited to: bars,         biscuits, breads, cakes, muffins, cookies, cereals, pastas,         noodles, pancakes, waffles, pizza bases, yoghurts or ice creams,         or     -   a tablet.         CX. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to CW further comprising a salt composition.         CY. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to CX, further comprising a salt composition comprising one or         more than one of:     -   sodium chloride;     -   potassium chloride; and     -   trisodium citrate (dihydrate).         CZ. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to CY, wherein the physical activity is a sport.         DA. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to CZ, wherein the food item is consumed before the individual         engages in the physical activity.         DB. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to DA, wherein the food item is consumed at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,         6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 before the individual         engages in the physical activity.         DC. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to DB, wherein the individual consumes a beverage according to         any one of example embodiments BM to CE and/or an additional         drink, in combination with consumption of the food item.         DD. The food item according to example embodiment DC, wherein         the additional drink comprises a starch comprising a resistant         starch.         DE. The food item according to example embodiment DC or example         embodiment DD, wherein the additional drink is selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a diluted cordial drink;     -   a milk based drink (including, for example: milk from a dairy         source, soy/almond/rice/oat or coconut milk (non-dairy milks or         plant derived milks), powdered milk that can be mixed with         water, or long-life milk);     -   a smoothie, (including, for example: a combination of: fruit and         milk, fruit and water, yoghurt and fruit, or ice-cream and         fruit);     -   a protein shake (including, for example: a protein shake that         uses a milk or water as a base for example a protein powder that         is mixed with water or milk); and     -   breakfast beverages.         DF. The food item according to any one of example embodiments DC         to DE, wherein the beverage and/or the additional drink is         consumed at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,         13, 14, 15 or 16 hours after consumption of the food item.         DG. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to DF, wherein the individual is suffering from dehydration.         DH. The food item according to example embodiment DG, wherein         the dehydration is caused wholly or partially by diarrhoea.         DI. Use of a starch comprising a resistant starch in a         composition to maintain hydration in an individual and/or         rehydrate the individual.         DJ. The use according to example embodiment DI, wherein the         starch comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group         consisting of: an RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 or RS5 starch, or         combinations thereof.         DK. The use according to example embodiment DI, wherein the         starch comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group         consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         DL. Use of a starch comprising a resistant starch selected from         the group consisting of:     -   a class V high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VI high amylose maize starch;     -   a class VII high amylose maize starch     -   a class VIII high amylose maize starch;     -   a class IX high amylose maize starch;     -   a class X high amylose maize starch;     -   a type IV resistant starch;     -   a type V resistant starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         in a composition to maintain hydration in an individual and/or         rehydrate the individual.         DM. The use according to example embodiment DK or example         embodiment DL, wherein the type IV resistant starch is a         resistant starch material that has been exposed to a chemical         process selected from the group consisting of:     -   a thermal or hydrothermal treatment;     -   an enzymatic modification;     -   an oxidation or bleaching process;     -   a cross-bonding or crosslinking process;     -   treatment with propylene oxide;     -   treatment with glycerol;     -   an etherification process;     -   an esterification (or acylation) process;     -   an acidification process;     -   an alkalisation process;     -   a dextrinisation process;     -   a phosphorylation process; and     -   combinations thereof,         to produce the type IV resistant starch.         DN. The use according to any one of example embodiments DK to         DM, wherein the type IV resistant starch is selected from the         group consisting of:     -   a retrograded gelatinised class VII high amylose maize starch;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acetylated;     -   a starch comprising a resistant starch that is acylated;     -   a bleached starch material;     -   an oxidised starch material;     -   an acid treated starch material;     -   an alkaline treated starch material     -   a phosphorylated starch material;     -   acetylated tapioca starch;     -   acetylated rice starch; and     -   combinations thereof.         DO. The use according to example embodiment DK or example         embodiment DL, wherein the starch comprising a resistant starch         is a type V resistant starch.         DP. The use according to any one of example embodiments DI to         DO, wherein the composition is: an oral rehydration composition         according to any one of example embodiments A to W; an aqueous         composition according to example embodiment X or example         embodiment Y; a beverage according to any one of example         embodiments BM to CE; or a food item according to any one of         example embodiments CT to CY.         DQ. The use according to any one of example embodiments DI to         DP, wherein the composition is consumed before the individual         engages in a physical activity.         DR. The use according to example embodiment DQ, wherein the         composition is consumed at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,         9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 hours before the individual         engages in the physical activity.         DS. The use according to example embodiment DQ or example         embodiment DR, wherein the physical activity is a sport.         DT. The use according to any one of example embodiments DI to         DS, wherein the individual is suffering from dehydration.         DU. The use according to any one of example embodiments DI to         DT, wherein the individual is suffering from dehydration caused         by diarrhoea.         DV. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments AS or AU to AW, wherein the individual is a         human being.         DW. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments AS or AU to AW, wherein the individual is an         animal.         DX. The aqueous composition according to any one of example         embodiments Y to AB or AT to AW, wherein the individual is a         human being.         DY. The aqueous composition according to any one of example         embodiments Y to AB or AT to AW, wherein the individual is an         animal.         DZ. The method according to any one of example embodiments AD to         AR, wherein the individual is a human being.         EA. The method according to any one of example embodiments AD to         AR, wherein the individual is an animal.         EB. The use according to any one of example embodiments AX to BL         or DI to DU, wherein the individual is a human being.         EC. The use according to any one of example embodiments AX to BL         or DI to DU, wherein the individual is an animal         ED. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CS, wherein the individual is a human being.         EE. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CS, wherein the individual is an animal.         EF. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to DH, wherein the individual is a human being.         EG. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to DH, wherein the individual is an animal.         EH. The oral rehydration composition according to any one of         example embodiments A to W, AS, AU to AW, DV or DW, wherein the         starch comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group         consisting of:     -   an acid treated starch;     -   an alkaline treated starch;     -   a bleached starch;     -   an oxidised starch;     -   a mono-starch phosphate;     -   a di-starch glycerol;     -   a di-starch phosphate;     -   a phosphatylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated starch;     -   an acetylaled di-starch adipate;     -   an acetylated di-starch glycerol;     -   a hydroxypropylstarch;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchglycerol;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchphosphate; and     -   a starch comprising sodium octenyl succinate groups.         EI. The aqueous composition according to any one of example         embodiments Y to AC, AT to AW, DX or DY, wherein the starch         comprising a resistant starch is selected from the group         consisting of:     -   an acid treated starch;     -   an alkaline treated starch;     -   a bleached starch;     -   an oxidised starch;     -   a mono-starch phosphate;     -   a di-starch glycerol;     -   a di-starch phosphate;     -   a phosphatylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated starch;     -   an acetylaled di-starch adipate;     -   an acetylated di-starch glycerol;     -   a hydroxypropylstarch;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchglycerol;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchphosphate; and     -   a starch comprising sodium octenyl succinate groups.         EJ. The method according to any one of example embodiments AC to         AR, DZ or EA, wherein the starch comprising a resistant starch         is selected from the group consisting of:     -   an acid treated starch;     -   an alkaline treated starch;     -   a bleached starch;     -   an oxidised starch;     -   a mono-starch phosphate;     -   a di-starch glycerol;     -   a di-starch phosphate;     -   a phosphatylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated starch;     -   an acetylaled di-starch adipate;     -   an acetylated di-starch glycerol;     -   a hydroxypropylstarch;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchglycerol;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchphosphate; and     -   a starch comprising sodium octenyl succinate groups.         EK. The beverage according to any one of example embodiments BM         to CS, ED or EE, wherein the starch comprising a resistant         starch is selected from the group consisting of:     -   an acid treated starch;     -   an alkaline treated starch;     -   a bleached starch;     -   an oxidised starch;     -   a mono-starch phosphate;     -   a di-starch glycerol;     -   a di-starch phosphate;     -   a phosphatylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated starch;     -   an acetylaled di-starch adipate;     -   an acetylated di-starch glycerol;     -   a hydroxypropylstarch;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchglycerol;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchphosphate; and         a starch comprising sodium octenyl succinate groups.         EL. The food item according to any one of example embodiments CT         to DH, EF or EG, wherein the starch comprising a resistant         starch is selected from the group consisting of:     -   an acid treated starch;     -   an alkaline treated starch;     -   a bleached starch;     -   an oxidised starch;     -   a mono-starch phosphate;     -   a di-starch glycerol;     -   a di-starch phosphate;     -   a phosphatylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated starch;     -   an acetylaled di-starch adipate;     -   an acetylated di-starch glycerol;     -   a hydroxypropylstarch;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchglycerol;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchphosphate; and         a starch comprising sodium octenyl succinate groups.         EM. The use according to any one of example embodiments AX to         BL, DI to DU, EB or EC, wherein the starch comprising a         resistant starch is selected from the group consisting of:     -   an acid treated starch;     -   an alkaline treated starch;     -   a bleached starch;     -   an oxidised starch;     -   a mono-starch phosphate;     -   a di-starch glycerol;     -   a di-starch phosphate;     -   a phosphatylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated di-starch phosphate;     -   an acetylated starch;     -   an acetylaled di-starch adipate;     -   an acetylated di-starch glycerol;     -   a hydroxypropylstarch;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchglycerol;     -   a hydroxypropyl-di-starchphosphate; and     -   a starch comprising sodium octenyl succinate groups.

EXAMPLES Oral Rehydration Compositions and Solutions

Table 3 discloses the existing recommended WHO/UNICEF oral rehydration formulation and Table 4 and Table 5 disclose exemplified oral rehydration compositions of the invention.

Table 6, Table 7 and Table 8 examine various suspending agents and their ability to suspend acetylated high amylose starch, rice starch or high acetylated rice starch over a period of time. The total suspension height in each case was 3.5 cm. The height of material that has settled in each experiment, if any, is disclosed in the respective tables.

Table 9 discloses a beverage to be consumed by an individual taking part in a physical activity, the beverages comprising an exemplified oral rehydration composition of the invention.

TABLE 3 The formula for an ORS recommended by the WHO and UNICEF.^(a), b)) Relative Concentration of specific Mass molecular % Concentration elements/compounds (mmol/L) Compound (g/L) mass (w/w) (mmol/L) Na⁺ K⁺ Cl⁻ Citrate Glucose Sodium 2.6 58.4 12.7 45 45 45 chloride Glucose 13.5 180.2 65.9 75 75 (anhydrous) Potassium 1.5 74.6 7.3 20 20 20 chloride Trisodium 2.9 294.1 14.1 9.9 30 10 citrate (dihydrate) TOTAL 20.5 — 100 — 75 20 65 10 75 ^(a))Composition as of 4 Sep. 2012; ^(b))total osmolarity is 245 mOsmol/L.

TABLE 4 An exemplified oral rehydration composition of the present invention.^(a)) Concentrations Mass Relative Concentration (mmol/L) Compound (g/L) molecular mass (mmol/L) Na⁺ K⁺ Cl⁻ Citrate Sodium chloride 2.6 58.44 45 45 45 Potassium chloride 1.5 74.55 20 20 20 Trisodium citrate 2.9 294.1 10 30 10 (dihydrate) Starch (comprising a 50^(c)  ) >1,000 ^(d)) resistant starch)^(a)) Xanthan gum^(e)) 2   >1,000 ^(d)) — — TOTAL 59    75 20 65 10 ^(a))The total osmolarity is 172.5 mOsm/L; ^(b))the actual resistant starches incorporated in the present example are chosen from: a class VII high amylose maize starch (for example Hylon ® VII obtainable from Ingredion), a starch comprising a resistant starch, that has been acetylated up to a substitution value of 2.5% (for example, Crisp Film ® obtainable from Ingredion), a starch comprising a resistant starch, that has been acetylated with a substitution value greater than 2.5% (for example Starplus ™ A (obtainable from CSIRO) with a substitution value of 4.0, 6.0 or 7.5%), or an acetylated tapioca starch or an acetylated rice starch; ^(c))50 g/L of resistant starch will yield approximately the same amount of glucose that is available in the composition of Table 3; ^(d))it is not possible to give the concentration of the fermentable substrate or xanthan gum in mmol/L since the molecular weights are > 1,000 and not all molecules are the same size; ^(e))the specific xanthan gum to use in this example is Grindsted Xanthan Clear Easy A21191; it contains 2 g sodium/100 g.

-   -   The components of Table 4 can be placed in individual sachets         grouped, for example, as: sodium chloride, potassium chloride         and trisodium citrate (dihydrate) in sachet 1; and the starch         comprising a resistant starch and xanthan gum in sachet 2. To         prepare an oral rehydration solution, the contents of sachet 1         should first be mixed in drinking water. When the contents of         sachet 1 are dissolved, the contents of sachet 2 should be added         and vigorously mixed until an even milky suspension is achieved.

TABLE 5 An exemplified oral rehydration composition of the present invention. Relative Mass molecular Concentration Concentrations (mmol/L) Compound (g/L) mass (mmol/L) Na⁺ K⁺ Cl⁻ Citrate Glucose Sodium chloride 2.6 58.44 45 45 45 Potassium chloride 1.5 74.55 20 20 20 Trisodium citrate (dihydrate) 2.9 294.1 10 30 10 Glucose (anhydrous)   6.75^(e)) 180.2 37 37 Starch (comprising a 25^(b)  )  >1,000 ^(c)) resistant starch)^(a)) Xanthan gum^(d) 2   >1,000 ^(c)) — — TOTAL 40.75 75 20 65 10 37 ^(a))The actual resistant starches incorporated in the present example are chosen from: a class VII high amylose maize starch (for example Hylon ® VII obtainable from Ingredion), a starch comprising a resistant starch, that has been acetylated up to a substitution value of 2.5% (for example, Crisp Film ® obtainable from Ingredion), a starch comprising a resistant starch, that has been acetylated with a substitution value greater than 2.5% (for example Starplus ™ A (obtainable from CSIRO) with a substitution value of 4.0, 6.0 or 7.5%), or an acetylated tapioca starch or an acetylated rice starch; ^(b))the actual amount of starch added may be in the range 0 to 50 g/L but the starch together with the glucose would be combined in such quantities so as to yield approximately the same amount of glucose as contained in the composition of Table 3; ^(c))it is not possible to give the concentration of the fermentable substrate or xanthan gum in mmol/L since the molecular weights are > 1,000 and not all molecules are the same size; ^(d))the specific xanthan gum to use in this example is Grindsted Xanthan Clear Easy A21191; it contains 2 g sodium/100 g; ^(e))the actual amount of glucose may be added in the range 0-13.5 g/L.

TABLE 6 Exemplified compositions with high amylose maize starch (50 g/L) assessed with 0.75 g in 15 mL. Ease of State of Composition at Specific Time Intervals After Composition is Produced Suspending Agent Solubility^(a)) 2 hours 4 hours 6 hours 24 hours 1 g/L Xanthan 3+    90% Suspended 75% Suspended 90% Settled Settled (0.5 cm) 2 g/L Xanthan 2+    Suspended Suspended Suspended 90% Suspended 3 g/L Xanthan 1+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 2 g/L Guar gum 3+    90% Settled Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 4 g/L Guar gum^(b)) 3+    Suspended Suspended 75% Settled Settled (0.7 cm) 6 g/L Guar gum^(c)) 2+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 11 g/L Gelatine 3+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 15 g/L Gelatine 3+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 120 g/L Gelatine 2+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 9 g/L Carrageenan 3+^(d)) Settled (1.6 cm) Settled (1.6 cm) Settled (1.6 cm) Settled (1.6 cm) 12 g/L Carrageenan 2+^(d)) Settled (1.9 cm) Settled (1.9 cm) Settled (1.9 cm) Settled (1.9 cm) 15 g/L Carrageenan 1+^(d)) Settled (2.1 cm) Settled (2.1 cm) Settled (2.1 cm) Settled (2.1 cm) 8 g/L Agar 3+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 12 g/L Agar 1+^(d)) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) 15 g/L Agar 1+^(d)) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) 4 g/L Alginate 3+    Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 8 g/L Alginate 3+    75% Settled 90% Settled Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 12 g/L Alginate 3+^(d)) Suspended 90% Suspended 90% Settled Settled (0.6 cm) 4 g/L Locust bean gum 2+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 8 g/L Locust bean gum 1+^(d)) 75% Settled 90% Settled Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5) 12 g/L Locust bean gum 1+^(d)) Suspended Suspended 75% Settled 90% Settled (0.8 cm) 13 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.3 cm) Settled (0.3 cm) Settled (0.3 cm) Settled (0.3 cm) 20 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 25 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 10 g/L Cellulose 2+^(d)) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) 14 g/L Cellulose 1+^(d)) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) 20 g/L Cellulose 1+^(d)) Settled (0.9 cm) Settled (0.9 cm) Settled (0.9 cm) Settled (0.9 cm) 8 g/L Gellan 2+^(d)) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) 12 g/L Gellan 1+^(d)) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) 15 g/L Gellan 1+^(d)) Settled (2.0 cm) Settled (2.0 cm) Settled (2.0 cm) Settled (2.0 cm) 7 g/L Pectin 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e) 15 g/L Pectin 1+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) 25 g/L Pectin 1+^(d)) Suspended 75% Suspended 75% Settled Settled (0.7 cm)^(e)) ^(a))3+ = easily suspended after a few swirls; 2+ = suspended after at least 5-6 swirls; 1+ = suspended after >6 swirls; ^(b))viscous composition; ^(c))very viscous composition; ^(d))composition heated to 60° C. for 15 minutes; ^(e))brown cloudy appearance.

TABLE 7 Exemplified compositions with rice starch (50 g/L) assessed with 0.75 g in 15 mL. Ease of State of Composition at Specific Time Intervals After Composition is Produced Suspending Agent Solubility^(a)) 2 hours 4 hours 6 hours 24 hours 1 g/L Xanthan 3+    Suspended Suspended 50% Settled Settled (0.6 cm) 2 g/L Xanthan 2+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 3 g/L Xanthan 1+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 2 g/L Guar gum 3+    75% Suspended 75% Settled 90% Settled Settled (0.5 cm) 4 g/L Guar gum^(b)) 3+    Suspended Suspended Suspended 90% Settled 6 g/L Guar gum^(c)) 2+    Suspended Suspended Suspended 50% Settled 11 g/L Gelatine 3+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 15 g/L Gelatine 3+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 120 g/L Gelatine 2+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 9 g/L Carrageenan 3+^(d)) Settled (1.5 cm) Settled (1.5 cm) Settled (1.5 cm) Settled (1.5 cm) 12 g/L Carrageenan 2+^(d)) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) 15 g/L Carrageenan 1+^(d)) Settled (1.9 cm) Settled (1.9 cm) Settled (1.9 cm) Settled (1.9 cm) 8 g/L Agar 3+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 12 g/L Agar 1+^(d)) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) 15 g/L Agar 1+^(d)) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) 4 g/L Alginate 3+    Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 8 g/L Alginate 3+    75% Suspended 75% Settled 90% Settled Settled (0.6 cm) 12 g/L Alginate 3+^(d)) Suspended Suspended 75% Settled 90% Settled (0.7 cm) 4 g/L Locust bean gum 2+^(d)) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) 8 g/L Locust bean gum 1+^(d)) Suspended 50% Settled 90% Settled Settled (0.6 cm) 1 g/L Xanthan 3+    Suspended Suspended 50% Settled Settled (0.6 cm) 2 g/L Xanthan 2+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 3 g/L Xanthan 1+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 12 g/L Locust bean gum 1+^(d)) Suspended Suspended Suspended 90% Settled (0.7 cm) 13 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.3 cm) Settled (0.3 cm) Settled (0.3 cm) Settled (0.3 cm) 20 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 25 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 10 g/L Cellulose 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 14 g/L Cellulose 1+^(d)) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) 20 g/L Cellulose 1+^(d)) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) 8 g/L Gellan 2+^(d)) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) 12 g/L Gellan 1+^(d)) Settled (1.7 cm) Settled (1.7 cm) Settled (1.7 cm) Settled (1.7 cm) 15 g/L Gellan 1+^(d)) Settled (1.7 cm) Settled (1.7 cm) Settled (1.7 cm) Settled (1.7 cm) 7 g/L Pectin 2+^(d)) Settled (0.3 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.3 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.3 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.3 cm)^(e)) 15 g/L Pectin 1+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) 25 g/L Pectin^(f)) 1+^(d)) Suspended Settled (0.3 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) ^(a))3+ = easily suspended after a few swirls; 2+ = suspended after at least 5-6 swirls; 1+ = suspended after >6 swirls; ^(b))viscous composition; ^(c))very viscous composition; ^(d))composition heated to 60° C. for 15 minutes; ^(e))brown cloudy appearance; ^(f))difficult to suspend, brown cloudy appearance.

TABLE 8 Exemplified compositions with high acetylated rice starch (50 g/L) assessed with 0.75 g in 15 mL. Ease of State of Composition at Specific Time Intervals After Composition is Produced Suspending Agent Solubility^(a)) 2 hr 4 hrs 6 hrs 24 hrs 1 g/L Xanthan 3+    Suspended Suspended Suspended 90% Settled 2 g/L Xanthan 2+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 3 g/L Xanthan 1+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 2 g/L Guar gum 3+    75% Suspended 75% Settled 90% Settled Settled (0.5 cm) 4 g/L Guar gum^(b)) 3+    Suspended Suspended Suspended 50% Settled 6 g/L Guar gum^(c)) 2+    Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 11 g/L Gelatine 3+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) 15 g/L Gelatine 3+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) 20 g/L Gelatine 2+^(d)) 90% Settled 90% Settled 90% Settled 90% Settled 9 g/L Carrageenan 3+^(d)) Settled (1.5 cm) Settled (1.5 cm) Settled (1.5 cm) Settled (1.5 cm) 12 g/L Carrageenan 2+^(d)) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) 15 g/L Carrageenan 1+^(d)) Settled (2.1 cm) Settled (2.1 cm) Settled (2.1 cm) Settled (2.1 cm) 8 g/L Agar 3+^(d)) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) 12 g/L Agar 1+^(d)) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) 15 g/L Agar 1+^(d)) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) 4 g/L Alginate 3+    Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) 8 g/L Alginate 3+    90% Suspended 50% Suspended 90% Settled Settled (0.5 cm) 12 g/L Alginate 3+^(d)) Suspended Suspended Suspended 90% Settled 4 g/L Locust bean gum 2+^(d)) 90% Settled Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) Settled (0.6 cm) 8 g/L Locust bean gum 1+^(d)) Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 12 g/L Locust bean gum 1+^(d)) Suspended Suspended Suspended Suspended 13 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 20 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) Settled (0.4 cm) 25 g/L Gum Arabic 2+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) Settled (0.5 cm) 10 g/L Cellulose 2+^(d)) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) 14 g/L Cellulose 2+^(d)) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) Settled (0.7 cm) 20 g/L Cellulose 1+^(d)) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) Settled (0.8 cm) 8 g/L Gellan 2+^(d)) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) Settled (1.3 cm) 12 g/L Gellan 1+^(d)) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) Settled (1.8 cm) 15 g/L Gellan 1+^(d)) Settled (2.0 cm) Settled (2.0 cm) Settled (2.0 cm) Settled (2.0 cm) 7 g/L Pectin 2+^(d)) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.4 cm)^(e)) 15 g/L Pectin 1+^(d)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.5 cm)^(e)) 25 g/L Pectin^(f)) 1+^(d)) Suspended Settled (0.6 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.6 cm)^(e)) Settled (0.6 cm)^(e)) ^(a))3+ = easily suspended after a few swirls; 2+ = suspended after at least 5-6 swirls; 1+ = suspended after >6 swirls; ^(b))viscous composition; ^(c))very viscous composition; ^(d))composition heated to 60° C. for 15 minutes; ^(e))cloudy appearance; ^(f))difficult to suspend even when heated.

TABLE 9 An exemplary beverage that comprises an oral rehydration composition of the invention. Component Amount Sodium Chloride^(a)) 1.45 g/L Potassium Chloride 0.4 g/L Trisodium citrate (dihydrate) 1.6 g/L Glucose 5.0 g/L Xanthan 2.0 g/L Starch (high amylose maize 45 g/L starch or high amylose maize starch acetylated to 2.5%)

-   -   The components of Table 9 were introduced into drinking water         that further comprised Cottee's® low sugar apple-raspberry         cordial to flavour the beverage. The cordial consisting of         reconstituted fruit juices (apple 48%, raspberry 2%), water,         thickener (sodium carboxymethylcellulose), food acid (citric         acid), natural flavour, sweeteners (calcium cyclamate,         acesulfame potassium, sucralose), natural colour (anthocyanins)         and preservatives (sodium benzoate, sodium metabisulphite).

Closed Loop Intestinal Perfusion Studies of Oral Rehydration Composition Additives

-   -   Studies were undertaken to determine whether the addition of         suspending agents as additives to high amylose maize 6% acetate         (hereinafter HAMSA6) oral rehydration solution would affect the         absorption of fluid from the control oral rehydration solution         (Glucose-ORS)

Methods Used

-   -   Adult Sprague Dawley rats weighing 250-300 g were used for these         studies. The rats were anaesthetised with an intraperitoneal         injection of ketamine and pentobarbitone.

Anaesthesia was maintained during the perfusion by supplemental doses of pentobarbitone as necessary. The rats' abdomens were opened through midline incision, and two loops of 10 cm length constructed in the ileum and in the colon. The loops were filled with 2 mL of a test solution containing fluoresceinated dextran sulphate along with cholera toxin 100 mcg and tied at both ends. The loops were emptied of content after 60 minutes and the fluid examined for fluorescence.

-   -   The test solutions all had the following salt composition,         identical to that of the recommended WHO oral rehydration         solutions:         -   sodium chloride 45 mmol/L;         -   potassium chloride 20 mmol/L; and         -   trisodium citrate 10 mmol/L.     -   The individual test solutions are shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Composition utilised in the closed loop intestinal perfusion studies. Specific Oral Rehydration NaCl KCl Trisodium citrate Glucose Suspending Osmolarity Solution mmol/L mmol/L mmol/L Source Agent mmol/kg Glucose- 45 20 10 Glucose — 245 ORS (75 mmol/L) HAMSA6 45 20 10 HAMSA6 — 170 (50 g/L) HAMSA6 + 45 20 10 HAMSA6 Xanthan 170 Xanthan (50 g/L) (2.0 g/L) HAMSA6 + 45 20 10 HAMSA6 Guar gum 170 Guar Gum (50 g/L) (2.0 g/L) HAMSA6 + 45 20 10 HAMSA6 CMC 170 CMC (50 g/L) (2.0 g/L) HAMSA6 + 45 20 10 HAMSA6 Carrageenan 170 Carrageenan (50 g/L) (2.0 g/L) HAMSA6 + 45 20 10 HAMSA6 Alginate 170 Alginate (50 g/L) (2.0 g/L) HAMSA6 + 45 20 10 HAMSA6 Gelatin 170 Gelatin (50 g/L) (2.0 g/L)

Materials and Equipment

-   -   Fluorescent (FITC-conjugated) dextran (MW 3000-5000, FD4-1G,         Sigma Chemical Co, MO, USA) was used as a non-absorbable marker         at a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL. All solutions, except Ringer         solution, were composed of hypo-osmolar oral rehydration         solution (HO-ORS) as the base with or without added fermentable         substrate. Dextran fluorescence was read in a Victor 3         (Perkin-Elmer) multilabel plate reader and expressed as         fluorescence units.     -   Net water transport (μL/min/cm) was calculated using the         following equation:

Net transport=Vi−[Vi×DEXi/DEXo]/length of gut in cm×1000

-   -   where:     -   Vi=Volume of fluid infused in milliliters     -   DEXi=Dextran concentration in infusate (mg/mL)     -   DEXo=Dextran concentration in effluent (mg/mL)

Results

-   -   Net water secretion was noted both in ileum and colon in         Glucose-ORS perfused loops. Addition of high amylose maize         acetate was associated with reversal of net secretion to net         water absorption. The effect of HAMSA6 was not significantly         altered by the addition of the “suspending agents” tested (Table         11).

TABLE 11 Net water secretion for specific oral rehydration solutions of Table 10. Net ileal Net colonic Specific Oral water transport water transport Rehydration Solution N (μL/min/cm) (μL/min/cm Glucose 3 −2.60 (3.39) −7.23 (3.44) HAMSA6 4 1.09 (0.92) 1.55 (1.46) HAMSA6 + Xanthan 5 1.41 (0.35) 2.32 (0.81) HAMSA6 + Guar Gum 4 1.61 (0.12) 1.31 (0.73) HAMSA6 + 5 1.22 (0.17) 2.04 (0.54) Carboxymethylcellulose HAMSA6 + Carrageenan 3 0.35 (0.54) 1.97 (1.25) HAMSA6 + Alginate 3 1.47 (0.35) 3.51 (0.18) HAMSA6 + Gelatin 3 1.22 (0.69) 1.18 (0.61)

Conclusion

-   -   Additives used to suspend HAMSA6 did not significantly alter         absorption from ileal and colonic loops in the rat.

Utilising Oral Rehydration Compositions of the Invention with Australian Football Players

Method and Materials

-   -   Australian football players were provided with the following         beverages:         -   1. an oral rehydration composition (SpORS) that was to be             consumed during and after a training session. SpORS             consisted of the following components: 1.45 g NaCl, 0.4 g             KCl, 1.6 g trisodium citrate (dihydrate), 5 g glucose, 45 g             high acetylated maize starch (HAMS) acetylated to a             substitution value of 2.5% (Crispfilm), Xanthan and Cottees             double concentrate cordial (apple and raspberry flavouring);             and         -   2. a beverage comprising a resistant starch (RS-Shake) that             was to be consumed the night before a training session.             RS-Shake consisted of the following components: high             acetylated maize starch (HAMS-A) (50 g or 100 g of HAMS-A)             acetylated to a substitution value of 2.5% (Crisp Film) and             flavoured milk.     -   Each participant was studied in a control week (where the         participant undertook their normal routine before, during and         after a training session) and an intervention week (where the         participant consumed the SpORS and RS-Shake at the required         times). In the intervention week, a participant consumed a         RS-Shake in the evening prior to a training session and consumed         SpORS in training drink breaks from halfway through the training         session until 1 hour after training has finished. Participants         were assessed during both weeks.     -   The following measurements were taken as hydration indicators         before, after and around 1 hour after each training session:         -   weight; and         -   a finger-prick of blood for a haematocrit test.     -   Predictive statistical models were used to assess any         differences between intervention and control groups at each of         the following time points: A—before a training session; B—at the         end of a training session; and C—1 hour after training has         finished.     -   The models adjusted for variation between players to incorporate         effects of an intervention (consumption of SpORS/RS-Shake),         overall workload and intensity (GPS data), recovery time and         random variations between training days. Players were excluded         if they had a light training session (light training session was         taken as a session of less than 80 minutes). This was to ensure         that players with a low workload did not bias the analysis.

Results:

-   -   The results of the weight and blood analyses are shown in FIG. 1         and FIG. 2, respectively. In addition, the specific results are         shown in Table 12 and Table 13, respectively.

TABLE 12 Detailed weight analysis for Australian football players study Time Period A B C Treatment 0.280 kg 0.427 kg 0.591 kg Effect (P = 0.042) (P = 0.009) (P = 0.001)

-   -   With regards to Table 12, a 280 g mean higher weight at time         point A implies that the RS-Shake worked and players were better         hydrated at the start of the day (and control groups were         potentially under-hydrated before training). A 427 g mean higher         weight at time point B implies that intervention players were         better hydrated players throughout training. In addition, a 591         g mean higher weight time point C implies that intervention         players rehydrated players faster during their recovery period.

TABLE 13 Detailed hematocrit analysis for Australian football players study Time Period A B C Treatment −0.374 0-1.041 −0.993 Effect (P = 0.377) (P = 0.137) (P = 0.059)

-   -   With regards to Table 13, the trend is consistent with the         weight data shown in Table 12 and the improved hydration as         measured by haematocrit demonstrated that the increase in weight         did not just represent fluid retention in the intestines but         true rehydration of the players.

Conclusions

-   -   Based on the results, ingestion of the SpORS and RS-Shake helps         to provide better hydration before training, less dehydration         during training, and aids a player to rehydrate faster once         training has finished. This, in turn, should improve a player's         performance.

Utilising Oral Rehydration Compositions in Clinical Trails

-   -   A study was undertaken to examine the effects of oral         rehydration solutions comprising either a:         -   high amylose maize starch (HAMS);         -   HAMS acetylated with a substitution value of 2.5%;         -   HAMS acetylated with a substitution value of 6%.     -   The actual formulations used for the present study can be found         in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Formulations used in clinical trials of oral rehydration compositions of the invention. Relative Mass molecular Concentration Concentrations (mmol/L) Compound (g/L) mass (mmol/L) Na⁺ K⁺ Cl⁻ Citrate Sodium chloride 2.6 58.44 44.5 44.5 44.5 Potassium chloride 1.5 74.55 20.1 20.1 20.1 Trisodium citrate (dihydrate) 2.9 294.1 9.9 29.6 9.9 Starch (comprising a 50 ^(b)) 0.02-0.05^(c)) resistant starch)^(a)) Xanthan gum 2 >1000 1.4^(c)) 1.4^(c)) TOTAL 59 75.5 20.1 64.6 9.9 ^(a))The starch was either HAMS; HAMS acetylated to a substitution value of 2.5% or HAMS acetylated to a substitution value of 6%; ^(b))the relative molecular weight is dependent on the specific resistant starch utilised in the study; and ^(c))approximate values are provided as the molecular weights of the starch and xanthan gum are not exact;

-   -   These formulations were compared to the current WHO standard         oral rehydration formulation (HO-ORS).     -   The HAMS formulations all contained the xanthan gum as an         anti-settling agent.     -   The results of the study are shown in FIG. 3. The statistical         analysis of the results are shown below in Table 15

TABLE 15 Statistical analyses for the clinical trials with various high amylose maize starches in comparison to the current WHO standard oral rehydration formulation. HAMS HAMS with 2.5% with 6% HAMS Acetylation Acetylation HO-ORS Overall Statistic (N = 18) (N = 17) (N = 19) (N = 13) P-value Mean duration 44.9 35.8 41.3 30.0 0.262 of diarrhoea (hrs) 90% 34.9-57.7     27.6-46.3  32.3-52.7    22.3-40.3 Confidence Interval (CI) of Mean (hrs) Δ ORS (%) 49.6 19.2 37.5 — 90% CI Δ 1.6-120.3% −19.4-76.4% 37.5-101.7% — ORS (%) P-value vs   0.087   0.457   0.169 — ORS

-   -   The data shows that the formulations comprising HAMS, and the         acetylated HAMS were beneficial in the treatment of diarrhoea.         The overall differences were not found to be statistically         significant.     -   It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that         numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the         invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing         from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The         present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all         respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A food item comprising a resistant starch selected from the group consisting of: a class V high amylose maize starch; a class VI high amylose maize starch; a class VII high amylose maize starch a class VIII high amylose maize starch; a class IX high amylose maize starch; a class X high amylose maize starch; a type IV resistant starch; a type V resistant starch; and combinations thereof, wherein the food item is formulated for an individual to consume before, during or after the individual engages in a physical activity.
 23. The food item of claim 22, wherein the food item comprises a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch, optionally present in an amount of at least 70% w/w.
 24. The food item of claim 22, wherein the food item comprises a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch having an acetyl value in a range of 2.5% to 7.5%.
 25. The food item of claim 22, wherein the food item comprises a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch having an acetyl value of up to 2.5%.
 26. The food item of claim 22, wherein the food item has an amylose content of at least 50% w/w.
 27. The food item of claim 22, wherein the item comprises 0.1 to 300 g of resistant starch.
 28. The food item of claim 22, wherein the food item is selected from the group consisting of: a bar, a biscuit, bread, cake, muffin, cookie, cereal, pasta, noodles, pancakes, waffles, pizza, yoghurt and ice cream.
 29. The food item of claim 22, wherein the food item is in the form of a tablet, optionally with a resistant starch content of at least 90% w/w.
 30. A method of rehydrating an individual or retaining hydration in the individual, the method comprising providing a food item comprising a resistant starch selected from the group consisting of: a class V high amylose maize starch; a class VI high amylose maize starch; a class VII high amylose maize starch a class VIII high amylose maize starch; a class IX high amylose maize starch; a class X high amylose maize starch; a type IV resistant starch; a type V resistant starch; and combinations thereof, wherein the food item is formulated for the individual to consume before, during or after the individual engages in a physical activity.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the food item comprises a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch, optionally present in an amount of at least 70% w/w.
 32. The method of claim 30, wherein the food item comprises a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch having an acetyl value in a range of 2.5% to 7.5%.
 33. The method of claim 30, wherein the food item comprises a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch having an acetyl value of up to 2.5%.
 34. The method of claim 30, wherein the food item has an amylose content of at least 50% w/w.
 35. The method of claim 30, wherein the item comprises 0.1 to 300 g of resistant starch.
 36. The method of claim 30, wherein the food item is selected from the group consisting of: a bar, a biscuit, bread, cake, muffin, cookie, cereal, pasta, noodles, pancakes, waffles, pizza, yoghurt and ice cream.
 37. The method of claim 30, wherein the food item is in the form of a tablet, optionally with a resistant starch content of at least 90% w/w.
 38. The method of claim 30, wherein the food item is consumed before or after consumption of an oral rehydration composition, wherein the oral rehydration comprises: a salt composition; a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch; a suspending agent in an amount effective to suspend the fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch in water; and optionally one or more of: glucose; water soluble salts of zinc, magnesium or copper; sodium bicarbonate; or combinations thereof.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the oral rehydration composition: comprises a fermentable acetylated type IV resistant starch that is acetylated to a substitution value of up to and including 2.5%.
 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the suspending agent is xanthan gum.
 41. The method of claim 38, wherein the food item is consumed before consumption of the oral rehydration composition. 